A size criteria is being introduced to Housing Benefit for working age people renting from a local authority, a registered housing association or other registered social landlord. This means that the amount of Housing Benefit you get will be based on the number of people in your household
The size criteria allows, one bedroom for
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every adult couple (married or unmarried)
-
any other adult aged 16 or over
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any 2 children of the same sex aged under 16
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any 2 children of different sexes aged under 10
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any other child (other than a foster child or child whose main home is elsewhere)
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a carer who does not live you but provides you or your partner with overnight care
-
children with severe disabilities where they are unable to share a bedroom.
If you have one or more extra bedrooms your Housing Benefit will be reduced. The amount allowed for rent and any service charges will be reduced by:
-
14% if you have one extra bedroom, or
- 25% if you have two or more extra bedrooms.