Local Housing Allowance
If you rent privately and make a new claim for Housing Benefit, or have a change of address to a private rental, we will assess your request based on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate. This is a simpler way to determine the maximum amount of financial help you can receive for your privately rented accommodation.
What is Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?
The LHA scheme is based on:
- The area you live in (or are moving to)
- The number of rooms your household needs
Every property is assigned to a Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA), which determines the weekly Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for that area. These rates are reviewed and updated each April, but they may not change every year.
In Wychavon District, these areas are:
- · Cheltenham
- · Warwickshire South
- · Worcester North
- · Worcester South
LHA uses room size criteria to calculate the amount of support you may be entitled to. A bedroom is allowed for each of the following occupiers:
- A couple
- A single person aged 16 or more
- Two children of the same sex under 16
- Two children under 10, regardless of sex
- Any other child
- Certain overnight carers
- Foster children
- Certain adult children in the armed forces living with parents
Important exception:
- Single people under 35 (who are not a couple or living with dependent children) are only eligible for the shared accommodation rate of LHA, even if they live in a self-contained property rather than shared accommodation.
However, if any of the following apply, you may qualify for the one-bedroom self-contained rate instead:
- You’re under 22 and have been in care.
- You receive the Severe Disability Premium due to a Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
- You require an extra bedroom for a carer who provides regular overnight care.
- You’ve spent at least three months in a homeless hostel and accepted support services to help you resettle in the community.
- You are under active management in a Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement.
How to Calculate Your LHA Rate
Use the room calculator on GOV.UK to check how many rooms you are eligible for and the LHA rate for your property.
Use the postcode search on GOV.UK to find out which Broad Market Rental Area applies to your address.
The LHA rate is the maximum amount you can receive, but your income and savings may reduce this amount. To calculate your final payment, you can use the benefits calculator on GOV.UK.
Payments
LHA Housing benefit is paid directly into your bank account. If you don’t have a bank account, you’ll need to open one. For more information on how to do this you can get advice on opening a bank account from Citizens Advice..
If you’re unable to manage payments, we can consider paying your landlord directly. You can discuss this with us or fill out the pdf Direct Payments to Landlord form. (240 KB)
Exemptions from LHA
The LHA doesn’t apply if you:
- Rent from a local authority or housing association
- Live in supported housing (from a charity, council, or voluntary organisation)
- Live in a caravan, houseboat, mobile home, or hostel
- Have a rent that includes meals
More Information
If you're worried about being able to stay in your home, speak to the Housing Advice Team. You can visit our Housing advice page to find out what help the Housing Advice Team are able to offer. They can offer guidance as well as practical support. It’s important to seek advice early. You can also get help and advice from the Citizens Advice website.
