Why is Local Housing Allowance being introduced?

Local Housing Allowance gives tenants more choice in where they live and it’s fairer too. This is because with LHA:

• Tenants will be entitled to the same amount of benefit as people in the same circumstances
• Tenants can find out how much benefit towards the rent you can get before you rent a property
• Tenants can decide how much of their benefit they want to spend on renting a property
• Tenants will usually get their benefit paid directly to them. It is up to the tenant to pay the rent to the landlord. Apply for payment by BACS here. View leaflet Money Advice for Tenants. If you difficulties in managing your affairs, please view our Safeguard procedures and guidance.
• Tenants will find out about their benefit more quickly than before

How much Local Housing Allowance will I get?

With Local Housing Allowance, your benefit is not usually based on the property you live in as per previous schemes. It is based on

• Which area you live in
• Who lives with you
• How much money you have coming in
• What savings you have
• Whether anyone living with you is expected to contribute to your rent

If you rent is higher than Local Housing Allowance, you will need to make up the difference
If your rent is lower than Local Housing Allowance awarded, you can keep the difference. The difference will be capped at £15.00 . This does not affect other social security benefits you may be getting.
For full details, see our leaflet working out your Local Housing Allowance.


What will happen if I use my benefit payments for something else?

Local Housing Allowance is paid to help meet a tenants rent liability. If you don’t pay your rent, you may be taken to court and evicted from the property. Waveney District Council strongly encourage tenants to have their LHA payments paid into a bank account and set up a standing order to pay the rent to their landlord.