If you are worried that the benefit changes will reduce the money you have coming in, it's a good idea to start thinking ahead.
For example, you could get a benefits check on your current entitlement and see whether there is any transitional protection available. You could also get some advice about budgeting as the new Universal Credit is going to be paid monthly.
The amount of Housing Benefit you get to pay your rent will be based on the number of bedrooms your household needs.
(The size criteria used will be the same as used in Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
If you are the tenant of a Local Authority, a Registered Housing Association or other registered social landlord.
The size limit will affect anyone who is of working age.
Anyone aged between 16 and the minimum qualifying age for State Pension Credit.
We work this out by taking into account the number of people who live with you, and their ages.
We do not count other rooms such as living rooms, kitchens or bathrooms.
The number of bedrooms you are entitled to is then used to work out the maximum social rent that applies to you.
The usual rules are that you are entitled to one bedroom for:
If you are assessed as having more bedrooms than is necessary for your household you will be considered to be under-occupying your property.
A reduction will be applied to your Housing Benefit of:
You may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment to make up all or some of the reduction - refer to our Discretionary Housing Payments page.
Revenue Services
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: benefits@clacks.gov.uk