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Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

The way that Housing Benefit is paid to customers who rent private accommodation changed from 7th April 2008. The new scheme is called Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and has been in place for a number of years in some 'pathfinder' authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

What about customers under 25?

Most single claimants who are under 25 year of age will be entitled to the standard rate for a room in shared accommodation. This is where the tenant has a room or bedsit of their own with shared use of kitchen, bathroom, toilet and living room. This is known as the Shared Local Housing Allowance.

There are however, exceptions to this rule (including people who get the Severe Disability Premium).

What is Local Housing Allowance?
Who will be affected by the Local Housing Allowance?
How does LHA affect landlords?
Why has LHA been introduced?
When and where will LHA rates be published?
How are Local Housing Allowance payments worked out?
What about customers under 25?
How are single customers aged over 25/ couples with no children affected?
What is the length of Local Housing Allowance Awards?
Will mid-year rent increases be taken into account?
How will payments of Local Housing Allowance be made?
Will customers have any appeal rights?