Housing Benefit

What is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit is a benefit for people on a low income to help them pay their rent. Here we provide access to Housing Benefit information leaflets and application forms.

Housing Benefit FAQ

Name / Link	Subject	Detail	Type
The Rent Officer and Local Housing Allowance	Housing Benefit	This factsheet provides information on Housing Allowance and details on the role of the Rent Officer in its provision	Information leaflet
The Valuation Office Agency and Housing Benefit	Housing Benefit	This leaflet provides details of the role of the Valuation Office Agency with regard to housing benefit claims. Braille and spoken word versions availble on request	Information leaflet
The Rent Officer and Housing Benefit - A Guide for Landlords	Housing Benefit	This leaflet provides details of the role of the Valuation Office Agency with regard to housing benefit claims but is written specifically for the Landlord.	Information leaflet
Booklets for landlords and tenants renting privately	Housing	Most agreed private tenancies will be assured or assured shorthold tenancies under the provisions in the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Housing Act 1996). CLG publish a number of information leaflets on their website including 'Letting your home'	Information leaflet
TRS Service Level Agreement with Housing Benefit Local Authorities 2006/07	Housing Benefit	The Service Level Agreement is a template document that describes the day to day working practices and standards expected between the Valuation Office Agency and local authority Housing Benefit departments. It sets out the responsibilities, expectations and obligations for both sides. Individual valuation offices have signed agreements with each Housing Benefit department in their area.	Service Level Agreement
Pre-tenancy determinations	Pre-Tenancy	This leaflet explains the workings of the pre-tenancy determination process. Braille and spoken word versions availble on request	Information Leaflet
Application for a Pre-Tenancy Determination (PTD)	Pre-Tenancy	This form should be completed by the prospective tenant, signed by BOTH landlord and prospective tenant, and taken or sent to the local Housing Benefit Office in the area in which the accommodation is situated. You will find their address in the local telephone directory. This form should NOT be sent directly to the Valuation Office Agency.	Application Form
TRS Service Level Agreement with Local Housing Allowance Local Authorities 2006/07	Local Housing Allowance	Similar to VOA Service Level Agreement with Housing Benefit Local Authorities 2005/06 document, but for use in areas where the council is operating the Local Housing Allowance scheme.	Service Level Agreement

Frequently asked questions about Housing Benefit

1) A Rent Officer has inspected the property I am claiming housing benefit for. However, I have not been notified of their decision.

The Rent Officer will send their valuation to the appropriate housing benefit department who will then notify you of the amount of housing benefit you are entitled to. This will be based on the valuation made by the Rent Officer, but may also take into account your personal circumstances such as any income or investments that you may have.

2) I am unhappy with the valuation that the Rent Officer has made on my claim for Housing Benefit. Can I appeal?

In the letter from your Housing Benefit office advising you of your award you will also be advised that you can appeal against the amount of benefit you have been awarded. If you wish to appeal, you must contact the housing benefit department straight away as there are strict time limits during which you can appeal. If you think the Rent Officer's valuation is wrong, you should say so when making your appeal. The housing benefit department can then ask for a redetermination of the Rent Officer's decision on your behalf. We produce a leaflet called The Valuation Office Agency and Housing Benefit which describes the process.

3) How do I know if you have received the necessary paperwork from the Housing Benefit office dealing with my claim?

Please contact us directly on 08450 264696 to confirm this.

4) Can I find out before I take on a tenancy what the Rent Officer would value it as?

You need to complete a pre-tenancy determination (PTD) form.The PTD form needs to be signed by you as the prospective tenant, and either the landlord or landlords agent, and returned to the local authority Housing Benefit department that covers the area where the property is located. This form must not be sent direct to the Valuation Office Agency

The Rent Officer may wish to inspect the property you are thinking of renting, although it is not necessary for them to visit all properties.If there are services included in the rent (such as fuel bills, water charges, laundry or room cleaning), the Rent Officer will deduct the value of these as these are not included in Housing Benefit payments. More information is available in our PTD leaflet.

5) Can I appeal against a pre-tenancy determination?

You can only appeal and ask for a redetermination if you have taken up tenancy of the property and submitted a claim for Housing Benefit at the property. The process is then the same in Question 2 above.

6) How much Housing Benefit am I entitled to.

The amount of benefit you are entitled to is calculated by the Housing Benefit department. The Rent Officer will value the property you are occupying and decide the maximum rent that could be payable for your tenancy. The Housing Benefit department will use this figure as a basis for your calculation of benefit, but will take into account your personal circumstances such as any income or investments you have. To find out the level of benefit to which you are entitled you need to contact the Housing Benefit office dealing with your claim.

7) I want to rent another property. How much money am I entitled to?

In this case we would advise you to take out a pre-tenancy determination. (See question 4)