Under occupancy

Here are some examples of how households are affected:

Example 1:

A couple aged 50 and 49 live in a two-bedroom house costing £70 per week in rent.
Under occupancy rules apply as they have one spare bedroom.
Their housing benefit is reduced by 14% of their rent (14% of £70 = £9.80).
Their housing benefit is reduced by £9.80 to £60.80 per week.
They will have to pay £9.80 per week towards their rent.

Example 2:

A couple aged 33 and 31 live in a four-bedroom house with their son aged one and daughter aged three. Their rent is £100 per week. 
Under-occupancy rules apply as they have two spare bedrooms. They need one bedroom for themselves, and their children can share as they are under 10 years old.
Their housing benefit is reduced by 25% of their rent (25% of £100 = £25)
Their housing benefit is reduced by £25 to £75 per week.
They will have to pay £25 per week towards their rent.

Last updated: ‎13/03/2024 08:44