Housing Benefit is Changing

Housing Benefit is changing from the 1st April 2011.

What will the changes mean?
- It is possible that the amount of housing benefit you get to pay your rent could go down
- If your housing benefit is paid directly to your landlord, the amount your landlord gets for your rent could go down

If you are getting or thinking of claiming housing beneit, you need to consider these changes before you renew or make a new tenancy agreement with a private landlord.

Who will the changes affect?
These changes could affect you if:
- you are claiming housing benefit, or are going to make a new claim under the Local Housing Allowance Scheme (LHA)
- you receive more housing benefit (up to £15) than you pay for your rent

The changes may affect you sonner than your anniversary date if:
- you are getting housing benefit and are planning to move home
- your household is changing such as someone leaving or coming to live with you

If you are claiming or intending to claim housing benefit you need to be aware of the changes and when you will be affected before negotiating or entering into a new tenancy agreement with a private landlord.

Your can get more information at:

www.direct.gov.uk
www.merthyr.gov.uk
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
www.shelter.org.uk