After hitting 35, your friends and family tell you that your housing benefit will change now. You already heard about it, but don’t have a broad idea of this topic.
Then, you landed the right article to understand housing benefits for single persons over 35.
| Name of the Scheme | One-Bedroom LHA or ‘Shared Accommodation LHA |
| Part of | Housing Benefit |
| Obective | Helping Low income people to pay their rent. |
| Beneficiary | Single person over 35 |
| Application | Online or Offline through your local council |
What is housing benefit?
Housing benefit is a government scheme that helps you to pay your rent. The aim was to provide support for those who are unemployed or have low incomes so that they can afford their rent. This ensures that everyone has a secure and safe place to live. Housing benefits can help cover your rent partially or fully, depending on your situation. Like your income, savings, and rent costs.
What is Local Housing Allowance?
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a housing benefit. It is provided by your local council. LHA paid to a low-income person to cover their rent payment. It is calculated based on the average rent paid for similar properties in the area.
How much housing benefit for single person over 35
As a single person over 35, you will get the ‘One-Bedroom LHA’ or ‘Shared Accommodation LHA’ housing benefit. To get these benefits, you have to live alone with no dependents. Also, your yearly income must be below £16,000. The actual housing benefit amount depends on your LHA rate.
Eligibility Criteria for Housing Benefit as a Single Person Over 35
If you’re over 35 and single, the eligibility criteria for housing benefits are a bit different. The government assumes that by this age, you should be financially independent. However, there are still circumstances where you may qualify for housing benefit.
You must live alone
To receive housing benefits as a single person over 35, you cannot live with any dependents. Like a partner, children, or others who rely on you financially. You must occupy your housing alone.
Your income threshold
Your income must be below £16,000 per year to qualify for housing benefit. It considers your total income from all sources. Like employment, savings, benefits, pensions, and investments.
House
To receive housing benefits as a single person over 35, you have to live on a self-contained property or in shared accommodation.
- Self-contained property: If you live on a self-contained property, then you need your own kitchen, bathroom, toilet and bedroom.
- Shared accommodation: If you live in a shared accommodation, then you need two or more rooms (bedrooms or living rooms) that no one else can use.
You must have a rental liability
To claim housing benefit, you must pay rent for your accommodation. If you own your home or live rent-free, you will not qualify for housing benefit. You must have a written, private tenancy agreement for the property you occupy.
How Much Housing Benefit Can I Get as a Single Person Over 35?
As a single person over 35, you will get the One-Bedroom LHA or ‘Shared Accommodation LHA housing benefit. The excat amount of Housing Benefit you can receive depends on several factors. However, you can check here how much housing benefit given in your area.
- Local Housing Allowance (LHA): Housing Benefit amount is usually based on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area. The LHA rate is determined by your local council. It depends on the number of bedrooms you have and the location.
- Rent Levels: The actual benefit amount you receive depends on how much rent you pay. If your rent is less than the LHA rate, you’ll receive the full amount of your rent. If your rent exceeds the LHA rate, you may receive partial benefit.
- Income: The housing benefit amount also depends on your income. If you earn a higher income, you may receive less benefit. Those with a lower income may qualify for more benefits to cover housing expenses.
- Private vs Social Rent: Housing Benefit amounts also differ depending on whether you rent from a private landlord or local council (social rent). The benefit for private rent is usually higher to match the higher rents. Council or housing association rent is often lower, so benefit amounts are adjusted accordingly.
How to Claim Housing Benefit as a Single Person Over 35
To claim Housing Benefit as a single person over 35, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.
Check if you qualify
First, make sure you meet the basic criteria. You must be over 35 years old, single and earning under £16,000 per year. You also cannot own your home or have savings of over £16,000. If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to claim Housing Benefit.
Assemble the essential documents.
The following documents are typically required to claim housing benefits.
- Personal identification (passport or driver’s license or National Insurance number)
- Proof of residency in the UK ( recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Proof of income (payslips or benefit award letters)
- Details of your rent or tenancy agreement
- Bank statements
- Information about any savings or investment you have
- Evidence of any disability or health issues if you have
Apply online or in person
The fastest way to apply is online through the official government website. You can also apply in person at your local council office.
Fill the form
You can get the claim form from your local council or online from the government website. Now fill out the form carefully and provide the necessary information and documents. Now submit the form to the local council. You can submit it by post or in person.
Your local council will review your application and tell you the outcome. It includes how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to and when it will start.
Conclusion
Now you have the board view of Housing Benefit for Single Person Over 35. Don’t assume you won’t qualify or that it’s not worth the effort. Do your research, check if you meet the basic criteria, and apply. The worst that can happen is you’re denied. But if they approve, then a little extra money each month for rent can make a big difference in your quality of life.
Also check
Disclaimer: All the information provide on this article only for educational purposes. We don’t guarantee every information in this article right. Please do your own research or consult your advisor before taking any financial decisions.
