Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

All claims, except some from tenants of Housing Associations, are referred to the Rent Service for a decision on the maximum amount of rent that can be met by Housing Benefit. Tenants can apply for a Pre-Tenancy Determination prior to moving in to find out what this figure is click here.

The Rent Service can restrict the rent used to calculate housing benefit where:

• The rent is considered to be too high
• The property is too large for the needs of the tenant and their family

One bedroom is allowed for each of the following:

• A married or un-married couple
• A single person aged 16 or over
• Two children under the age of 16 of the same sex
• Two children under the age of 10
• A child under 16

Housing Benefit cannot cover any charges for the following items, where they are included in the rent:

• Water rates
• Meals
• Fuel costs.

How is housing benefit paid?

Housing benefit is paid every 4 weeks in arrears if paid directly to landlords and two weeks in arrears if paid to the tenant.

HOUSING BENEFIT CANNOT BE PAID IN ADVANCE

Housing Benefit will be paid to the tenant unless:

• Both you and the tenant complete a rent direct to landlord form;
• The tenant owes you more than 8 weeks full rent;
• The Benefits Service feels that it is in the best interest of the tenant to pay you direct; or
• The tenant has moved out of the property owing you rent and there are amounts of Housing Benefit outstanding.

Payment will be made by either BACS directly into your account or by an "account payee" crossed cheque. If you have more than one tenant for whom you get direct payments we will send you one bulk payment. A schedule will be sent you detailing the names of each tenant you are being paid for and the amount for each tenant.

The tenant can contact us and ask for payments to go to them again. If this happens we will write to you to tell you about the change.