Example of Housing Benefit calculation
The following is an example of how Housing Benefit is calculated.
You receive Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
You will receive your rent charge (minus any ineligible service charges or under occupation reduction) or the LHA figure for the size property you are entitled to- you will have to pay any shortfall.
Example:
- Rent charge: £75.00 per week
- Ineligible services: £15.00 per week
- Rent figure eligible for Housing Benefit: £60.00 per week
- Housing Benefit amount: £60.00 per week
You need to pay: £15.00 per week (not including any non dependant deductions)
You are working or have income other than those listed above
If you do not have any excess income (the amount of income over your applicable amount) your Housing Benefit will be calculated as the example above.
If you have excess income, the income taper of 65 per cent will be used to calculate the amount of Housing Benefit you can get based on your rent charge (minus any ineligible service charges or under occupation reduction) or using the LHA figure for the size property you are entitled to- you will have to pay any shortfall.
Example:
- Rent charge: £100.00 per week
- Local Housing Allowance figure: £115.38
- Rent figure eligible for Housing Benefit: £100.00
- Excess income: £40.00
- 65 per cent of excess income: £26.00
- Eligible rent figure £100.00 minus £26.00 equals £74.00
- Housing Benefit amount: £74.00 per week
You need to pay: £26.00 per week (not including any non dependant deductions)
Please note: The above are examples only. Calculations are based on your personal circumstances and income.
