Local Housing Allowance - information for private tenants | Local Housing Allowance Rates | Local Housing Allowance - information for private tenants | What is the difference between Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance?

What is the difference between Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance?

• Local Housing Allowance is fairer
  You will get the same amount of benefit as other people living in Portsmouth with similar circumstances to you.
• Local Housing Allowance gives you more choice
  You will be able to choose the quality and price of your accommodation and shop around with your LHA.  For example you can choose to pay more than the LHA you receive and rent a more expensive property by funding the difference between the LHA and the rent yourself.  Or you can rent a property where the rent is lower than the LHA and keep the remainder of the LHA, up to a maximum of £15 a week.  Or you can choose to rent a property where the rent is the same as the LHA.
• Local Housing Allowance is clearer
  You will know how much LHA you are entitled to before you look for a property to rent so you will know which property you can afford.
• Local Housing Allowance gives you more financial responsibility
  LHA will usually be paid direct to you and it is up to you to pay the rent to your landlord in the same way as other tenants who do not get benefit.

The changes will not affect you if:

• Your rent has been registered as a 'fair rent'.
• Your tenancy started before 1989.
• You live somewhere where you are provided with care, support or supervision.
• You live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat.
• They also may not apply if your rent includes an amount for meals.

You can view more information by visiting the DWP website, please see the external links list on this page.