Local housing allowance calculates housing benefit  for certain groups of tenants in the private rented sector.

If were receiving housing benefit before April 2008, local housing allowance does not apply to you until you have a break in your claim or move into a new private tenancy.

The local housing allowance does not replace the existing housing benefit scheme. It is a new way of calculating the eligible rent for private sector housing benefit claims.

Overview of local housing allowance

Local housing allowance calculates housing benefit for people living in private rented accommodation. The scheme was introduced in April 2008 and it applies for certain groups of private tenants only. More

When does local housing allowance apply?

Local housing allowance does not affect all housing benefit claimants. It applies to some tenants in private rented accommodation, but not people renting from the Housing Executive or Housing Associations. More

Working out my LHA rate

The amount of local housing allowance you will get depends on your personal circumstances, such as your income and savings, the size of your household and the area you live/wish to 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 backdate your claim. More

Payments of local housing allowance

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