Reduced Services
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
In line with social distancing advice and to protect residents and staff the Council has taken the decision to close the Council offices to the public until further notice.
Whilst the offices are closed to visitors, you are still able to access services and information from this website 24/7.
Information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to access Council Services during this period can be found on our Coronavirus information page
You are invited to view and contribute to the The Mayor's Covid Record of Reflection
Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance rates for;
1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021.
Please note that Local Housing Allowance is updated annually. This means the rates below will remain until 31st March 2021.
2020/21
| Number of bedrooms | Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rate | A | £ 69.95 |
| 1 bedroom | B | £125.72 |
| 2 bedrooms | C | £163.46 |
| 3 bedrooms | D | £195.33 |
| 4 bedrooms | E | £251.40 |
| 5 bedrooms | F | £251.40 |
1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020.
Please note that Local Housing Allowance is updated annually. This means the rates below will remain until 31st March 2020.
2019/20
| Number of bedrooms | Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rate | A | £ 68.78 |
| 1 bedroom | B | £123.62 |
| 2 bedrooms | C | £160.73 |
| 3 bedrooms | D | £192.06 |
| 4 bedrooms | E | £247.20 |
| 5 bedrooms | F | £247.20 |
1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019.
Please note that Local Housing Allowance is updated annually. This means the rates below will remain until 31st March 2019.
2018/19
| Number of bedrooms | Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rate | A | £ 68.78 |
| 1 bedroom | B | £120.02 |
| 2 bedrooms | C | £156.05 |
| 3 bedrooms | D | £186.47 |
| 4 bedrooms | E | £240.00 |
| 5 bedrooms | F | £240.00 |
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) decides rent payments for people receiving Housing Benefit (HB). Housing Benefit for most new claims, including claims resulting from changes of address and breaks in claims due to entitlement to Income Support, Job Seekers (IB) and Guarantee Credit ceasing, will be assessed under the new Local Housing Allowance Scheme. It uses a flat rate allowance based on the size of the tenants household and the area in which they rent the property to decide the amount of benefit they receive.
Local Housing Allowance does not apply if;
- you rent your property from the council
- your landlord is a housing association
- your rent has been registered as a 'fair rent'
- your tenancy started before 1989
- you live somewhere where you are provided with care, support or supervision
- you live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
- Local Housing Allowance may not apply if your rent includes an amount for meals
The amount of Housing Benefit you will get will depend on;
- the numbers of bedrooms you need
- the area you live in
- any income you have and any savings held
- whether you have someone who is not a dependant living with you
Local Housing Allowance on-line 'Bedroom Entitlement Calculator' and list of 'LHA Rates' on the Rent Service's website - LHA-DIRECT
We will pay Housing Benefit under the LHA scheme to tenants direct unless there are exceptional circumstances and fall within the Authorities 'Vulnerability Policy' or 'Safeguard Policy'.
Application Forms
LHA Vulnerability Policy and Application Form
Vulnerability Policy.pdf [pdf] 71KB
Vulnerability Policy Application Form.pdf [pdf] 157KB
LHA Safeguard Policy including and Application Forms
Safeguard Policy.pdf [pdf] 68KB
Safeguard Application Form.pdf [pdf] 262KB
Direct Payments by BAC's
If you do not have a bank or building society account you must set one up. That way you can pay the rent to your landlord by standing order or direct debit. You can get advice about opening and running a bank or building society account from any bank or building society of your choice.
Please note that we are unable to pay direct payments to a Post Office account.
For further information about opening bank accounts and basic bank accounts please click on the link below
If you would like a Housing Benefit direct payment by BAC's form, please contact us on 01268 882200 or email us on the following link: benefits or print the BAC's form here BacsForm.pdf [pdf] 45KB
Contact
If you would like more information on Local Housing Allowance please contact us at the address or on the telephone number below.
Address: Castle Point Borough Council, Council Office, Kiln Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1TF
Telephone: 01268 882200