Bernice Said:

Student Housing and Council tax benefit?

We Answered:

Housing benefit and local housing allowance are the same thing, local housing allowance is the new system that took over from the old housing benefit system early last year. You would apply for Local housing allowance.

If your single and under 25 you will only be able to claim rent for a room in a house share or bedsit. Though you can rent a 1 bedroom and pay any rent over the bedsit allowance. If your over 25 the council will set the rate for a 1 bedroom.

It takes about 6 weeks after you apply/move in to receive your first rent payment as it is paid one month in arrears. You need to have found a place and moved in before you can apply for LHA as they require a signed tenancy agreement as proof of rent. So it's advisable to either let the landlord know before hand that your receiving LHA or have the first months rent before you move in.

You will need a deposit and a months rent in advance at most places, this you have to find yourself. There are some schemes available to those on very low incomes through your local council or housing charities. You wouldn't qualify for a budgeting loan, you need to have been receiving benefits for 26 consecutive weeks to be eligible but you can apply for a crisis loan though it's not very often they are given for such high amounts. Talk to a housing advisor either at the CAB or council and see whether you would be eligible for a rent deposit scheme in your area if not i'm afraid you have to find the money yourself.