If you are a private tenant renting a property or room from a private landlord and you're on a low income you may be able to claim and receive Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

The amount of Housing Benefit you get will depend on where you live and who lives with you. LHA rates are set for different types of accommodation in each area. The rates range from a single room in a shared house up to properties with four bedrooms.

Allowance rates

These rates will apply from 1 April 2022.

Medway and Swale Broad Rental Market Area

Shared Accommodation rate - £72.84

This figure may be used if you are under 35

1 Bedroom Rate £136.93

2 Bedroom Rate £172.60

3 Bedroom Rate £195.62

4 Bedroom Rate £276.16

North West Kent Broad Rental Market Area

Shared Accommodation rate - £88.85

This figure may be used if you are under 35

1 Bedroom Rate £155.34

2 Bedroom Rate £195.62

3 Bedroom Rate £241.64

4 Bedroom Rate £299.18

Enter your postcode on the VOA website to find your Local Housing Allowance rate

How to claim

You can claim Housing Benefit as soon as you have a rent agreement with your landlord.

What happens next

The payment will normally be made straight to your bank or building society account. As payment is not normally made to your landlord, you're responsible for making sure your landlord is paid the rent. One of the safest and most reliable ways of doing this is to set up a standing order straight from your bank account.

Remember, if you don't pay your rent, you may be taken to court and evicted from the property.  In some cases we may be able to pay your Housing Benefit to your landlord if you are worried about managing your money.