Local Housing Allowance

Rates for Spelthorne

All Local Housing Allowances claimed by people living in Spelthorne will be based on these rates for this year.

For more information about Local Housing Allowance (LHA), please call 01784 446374.

The following Local Housing Allowance changes affect customers whose Housing Benefit is calculated from the LHA. LHA is for people who:

• rent from a private landlord (eg not a Housing Association such as Rosebery), and
• have moved or made a new claim since April 2008

The LHA rates will be reviewed annually from 1 April of each year.

Carer's room allowance

Housing Benefit is calculated with regard to the number of bedrooms a customer and their family require. Before April 2011 no allowance could be made for a non-resident carer. However, with effect from April 2011, if you are disabled and have a carer who does not live with you but is required to stay overnight we may be able to increase your benefit in respect of the additional bedroom you need for them. If you think this might apply to you please contact the Council's Benefits Section.

Changes in circumstance

The amount of benefit you receive still depends on things such as your income and capital - and those of the people living with you. Therefore you must ensure you advise us of any changes immediately. Any delay may cause overpayments and a loss of benefit.