Local Housing Allowance, effective from 7 April 2008, is a new Housing Benefit scheme for tenants who rent their accommodation from most private landlords.

The allowance is not replacing the existing Housing Benefit. It is simply a new way of calculating the eligible rent for private sector Housing Benefit claims.

Overview of Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of working out Housing Benefit for most people on low income living in private rented accommodation. More 

Who will be affected by it?

Local Housing Allowance will not affect all Housing Benefit claimants. It will apply to some private rented tenants, but not NIHE or Housing Association tenants. More 

Working out my LHA

The amount of LHA you will get depends on your personal circumstances, such as your income and savings, the size of your household and the area you live in. More 

How do I claim?

If you think you may be entitled to Local Housing Allowance, you should claim as soon as possible. In some circumstances you may be able to request for your claim to be backdated. More 

LHA payments

If you are awarded LHA, you will usually have the right to choose whether you want the allowance to be paid to you or directly to your landlord. More