Am I right in thinking that I couldn't get any benefit if I rented a 2/3-bed house on my own? Or even if I shared with another and there was a spare bedroom?

I know it's dependant on other things - but will this stop any claim anyway?

Um, I think there's a new scheme in place that allocates a certain amount of money depending on your needs, rather than on the size/cost of the place that you choose. Thus, if you rent somewhere less than your 'needs' you can make a profit (within limits) and if you rent somewhere greater than your 'needs' you get a contribution then pay the rest yourself.

As you indicate, the detail depends on your particular circumstances....

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018928

Thanks. I think I'll contact LHA soon.

There is a website you can go to in order to search for the maximum Local Housing Allowance for your local authority for the size of property you are entitled to (LHA Direct) or you can click this link for February rates for Sheffield Council:-

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/benefits/local-housing-allowance/local-housing-allowance-rates

If you are under 25 it would be a 1 bed shared accommodation rate, if over 25 then a 1 bed self contained rate.


Regarding if sharing with other people or renting out a room - Im not sure how this would affect it so you need to be careful before entering into any contract - if in double you could speak to CAB.

I spoke to Sheffield council about this and was told that there is no restriction on the number of bedrooms. The allowance given is calculated according to income. People on Jobseekers Allowance get the full single person entitlement but if on Income Support or other benefit that pays more than Jobseekers the entitlement is reduced.

If you call Sheffield council they will give you an estimate of what you will be entitled to over the phone before you apply.