Local Housing Allowance is a type of Housing Benefit.  It is ‘means tested’, which means that we must compare your weekly income with how much the Government days you need to live on to see how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to.

The way we work out your income and your ‘needs figure’ have not changed.  For more information about this see How housing benefit is worked out

The LHA is the maximum amount of Housing Benefit that we can pay. We don't refer your specific rent to the Rent Service to decide the maximum amount we can pay.  Instead, the maximum amount will be a standard figure based on the number of bedrooms your household needs.

For more information about how to work out the number of bedrooms your household needs see LHA Rates.

Until April 2012 these rates were updated each month. However, from April 2012 the rates are fixed for one year. You can 

find out what they are by looking at LHA Rates.

Your claim will use the appropriate rate at the time you make your claim for a year, or until a relevant change of circumstances. It will then be reassessed.

If your LHA is less than your rent then you will have to make up the difference (like HB also). If you need extra help meeting your rent you may be able to request a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

If you have any questions please contact the Benefits section.