What is Local Housing Allowance

LHA does not affect claimants that live in council accommodation or other social housing. It is a flat rate allowance based on who lives with you and the area you live in.

LHA gives tenants the freedom of choice of where they live and it's fairer:

• You will be entitled to the same amount of benefit as people in the same circumstances as you.
• You can find out how much benefit you can get before you rent a property.
• You can decide how much of your benefit you want to spend on renting a property.
• Benefit is usually paid to you directly into your bank or building society account or by cheque. It is your responsibility to pay the rent to your landlord.
• You will find out about your benefit more quickly than before.