If you get Universal Credit (UC) you probably get help with rent included in it. But some people who get UC, still need help with rent from Housing Benefit instead.
If you are a tenant of a private landlord and still getting Housing Benefit to help with rent, you probably get it under Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules.
The amount you get is based on rates set by the government.
To find your LHA rate you need to know how many bedrooms the rules say you need and which LHA area your property is in.
Things like your income and the people who live with you affect how much help you get.
The rules from before LHA
Housing Benefit is assessed under the rules before LHA was introduced if:
- you have been at the same address and claiming without a break since before April 2008
- you have a private landlord and your tenancy started before January 1989
- you are a social housing tenant
- your landlord is a charity or voluntary organisation providing you with care and support
- you live in board and lodgings
- you live in a caravan, houseboat, mobile home or hostel.