Change in HB

[mubashir9819]

Hi All

I have a question regarding HB. I live in a 2 bedroom rented property with my family (Wife + 2 kids) for which I pay £830 rent per month. Based on my salary and other conditions, I receive HB of £290 per month + (I don't know if it is relevant or not) child benefits for my two kids. I don't get anything else in benefits.

I am thinking to move to a 3 bedroom house and the rent for a 3 bedroom property is approximately is £1300.

What i want to know is will I get an increase/ decrease/ remain same in HB if I move to a 3 bedroom property.

I know about the "bedroom tax" and also know that according to government, I should be living in a two bedroom flat but it is really small and the kids are growing up.

I have tried the HB calculator on government website and it says that I should not be getting any HB benefits if my rent is £1300. I don't understand why.

That's why I have posted this question out here. Any help would be really appreciated as it will help make up my mind to move out or not.

Thanks

[Amber]

Use the LHA calculator (click) to see what is the maximum amount of benefit payable (subject to means test).

What is the immigration status of the couple?

[mubashir9819]

Thanks Amber for the reply. The LHA calculator is really helpful as I have not seen that before.

According to the calculator I am entitled to £212 pw and entitled to a two bedroom property.

I am still confused. If I move to a three bedroom property(which I am not entitled to) with rent £1300 pm, will the HB increase to cover the difference as I currently get £72 pw on my two bedroom property.

Thanks

[Amber]

If you have too many bedrooms you may not receive full benefit but rather the LHA limit, the so called 'bedroom tax' (click).

[mubashir9819]

Thanks Guru.

That's what I want to know?. How much will I get (not the exact figure but at least an idea) if I move to a 3 bedroom property which has a rent of £1300

Thanks

[Amber]

You can go to your local council housing office and they will give you a benefit estimate based on LHA and your circumstances as to the maximum benefit payable.

[mubashir9819]

Thanks Amber

I was trying to avoid this as they have a very long waiting queue and after that not very helpful.

But I guess that would be the best solution.

Thanks again for your help on this.