Are you affected by under occupation?

What this means:

The Government’s changes mean you need to make up the shortfall in your Housing Benefit. If you do not make payments, your home may be at risk. If you feel you will have difficulty paying your rent with less Housing Benefit, then you should contact your landlord immediately.

What do I need to do:

You need to set up arrangements to pay the charge. You can pay in a variety of ways:

  • By direct debit or standing order
  • Online or over the telephone
  • At the Post office, Pay Point or Pay Zone using a payment card
  • Or through your wages if you work for Leeds City Council.

What if you cannot afford to pay extra rent:

You may be entitled to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, this is aimed at the following:

  • Tenants where a member of the household is disabled and the property has undergone significant adaptation because of the disability
  • Foster carers approved by the Local Authority and supported Kinship Care arrangements
  • Parents requiring an additional room under child access arrangements where alternative housing options, including options in the private sector, are not appropriate
  • Older people approaching qualifying pension credit age during 2013/14, where work is not a realistic option
  • Families expecting a first child where housing allocation has been made on this basis
  • Other exceptional circumstances.

If you think you might be eligible and would like to be considered, please contact your landlord directly and they will be able to provide you with support in making an application.

Under the new Housing Benefit rules you will be allowed:

  • 1 bedroom for a single customer or a couple;

plus

  • 1 bedroom for a child; or
  • 1 bedroom for 2 children under 10 of opposite genders; or
  • 1 bedroom for 2 children of the same gender up to the age of 16
  • 1 bedroom for other single people or couples aged 16 or over.

Exceptions to this new rule

Tenants who need an overnight carer will be entitled to an extra bedroom. There are also exceptions for people who have too many bedrooms because of a death in the family in the last 12 months, or could afford to pay the rent for the last 12 months without claiming Housing Benefit. For more details call Leeds City Council on 01132224404.

For more information:

Please visit: reform booklet.pdf, or if you need any further advice and support on paying your rent with less Housing Benefit, please contact your local Neighbourhood Housing office directly.