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The Government has changed the benefits system.
In April 2013 the following changes were introduced:
In April 2018, the government introduced Social Sector Rent Changes.
A limit will be put on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called a "benefit cap".
If you're affected, your Housing Benefit will go down to make sure that the total amount of benefit you get isn't more than the cap level. The cap will be set at £384.62 per week for couples and lone parents, and £257.69 per week for single adults.
If you’re already getting benefits and could be affected by the cap you’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They’ll let you know what will happen to your benefits.
The cap won’t apply to households where a partner or any dependant child qualify for Working Tax Credit or receive any of the following:
Personal Independence Payments have now replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This benefit is for working age people aged between 16 and 64.
There are no plans to replace DLA with Personal Independence Payments for children aged under 16, or those aged over 65 who are already receiving DLA.
You can find more information about Personal Independence Payments.
Rules have been introduced to restrict the size of accommodation you can receive Housing Benefit for based on the number of people in your household.
The rules allow one bedroom for:
If you are assessed under these rules as having more bedrooms than you need for the number of people in your household you will be considered to be under-occupying that property.
If you are under-occupying there will be a reduction in your Housing Benefit. The amount of Housing Benefit allowed for rent and any eligible service charges will be reduced by:
If you are thinking of moving you will need to consider these rules before renewing or making a new tenancy agreement.