LHA Cap In General Needs Accommodation

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) limits for tenants in general needs homes will apply in 2019 rather than 2018 as previously announced by the Government.  The announcement sets out a cut in benefit for people in receipt of Universal Credit: for these people LHA rates will apply to all new and existing tenants where their social rent is higher than the relevant LHA rate. This will include the Shared Accommodation Rate for single childless people under 35. People moved by the DWP from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit after April 2019 whose overall benefit entitlement is lower will be protected, in cash terms, under transitional protection arrangements. On reaching state pension age Universal Credit claimants flowing back on to Housing Benefit with tenancies signed before April 2016 will also continue not to be subject to LHA limits.  Read more on the NHF website.