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Most single people under 25 who rent from a private landlord will only get housing benefit to pay for a single room in a shared house. There are separate rules about housing benefit entitlements if you have been in care. Most full-time students can't claim housing benefit at all.
If you are single and over 25 or a couple with no dependants, you will in most cases be entitled to housing benefit or local housing allowance rate for a one bedroom property.
However, if you are sharing your accommodation with other people and don't have exclusive use of two or more rooms in this property, or exclusive use of one room and a toilet, kitchen or cooking facilities in this property, you will only be entitled to the shared rate of housing benefit.
'Shared rate' for under 25s
Since the introduction of local housing allowance in April 2008, most single people under 25 renting privately will only be entitled to a standard rate for a bedroom in shared accommodation. This is known as the ‘shared rate'.
‘Shared rate' will only cover payment for the:
- exclusive use of one bedroom and
- shared use of one or more of a kitchen, a bathroom, a toilet and a living room.
There are some exceptions to the ‘shared rate' rule and you may be entitled to a higher rate if you:
- are under 25 and in receipt of severe disability premium
- have dependent children
- are a care leaver under 22.
If the ‘shared rate' applies to you, but you wish to live in a non-shared accommodation, you will have to pay the difference between your rent and your housing benefit from your own money. Depending on the size and cost of your accommodation, this could be expensive.
Before local housing allowance came into effect, single claimants were eligible for ‘single room rent'.
If you are on the ‘shared rate' restriction and this is causing you financial hardship, you could try claiming a discretionary housing payment.
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'Single room rent' for under 25
‘Single room rent' will still apply to you if you:
- have been in receipt of housing benefit prior to 7 April 2008 (when local housing allowance was introduced);
- have not had a break in your entitlement;
- have not changed tenancies since.
The rules for ‘single room rent' are similar to those for ‘shared rate rent'. The maximum eligible rent allows for an exclusive use of one room and shared use of one or more of a bathroom, a kitchen and a room suitable for living in.
There are additional exceptions to the rule. You may be entitled to a higher rate if:
- you are a single parent;
- you are under 22 and have spent time in care since the age of 16;
- you are severely disabled;
- you share your accommodation with other people who could be expected to pay rent (non-dependants).
If you are on the single room rent restriction and this is causing you financial hardship, you could try claiming a discretionary housing payment.
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I've been in care
If you are under 18 and you have spent time in care, you probably won't be able to claim housing benefit. However, social services will normally pay for your accommodation until you are 18. If you are having problems paying for your accommodation, you can apply to the Housing Executive for housing benefit.
If you are not in full-time education, you can claim housing benefit when you turn 18. If you have been in care, you may be able to get more than the 'shared rate' until you turn 22.
The rules about claiming housing benefit are very complicated. Get advice before you apply for housing benefit.
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