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The Bedroom Tax (Under occupation)

The “Bedroom Tax” is the name given to benefit changes introduced on 1st April 2013 for social housing tenants, which mean that the amount of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit you get might be reduced if, according to the government, you have more bedrooms than they think you need.

If you (or you and your partner) are Pension Credit age and getting Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent, then you will not be affected by the Bedroom Tax.

Your Housing Benefit, or the help included in your Universal Credit to help you pay your rent, will be reduced by an amount equal to 14% of your rent if you are regarded as having one ‘extra’ bedroom; or by 25% of your rent if you have two or more ‘extra’ bedrooms.
But it doesn’t affect everybody. You won’t need to pay any more rent for having ‘too many’ bedrooms:

  • If you (or you and your husband, wife or partner) are Pension Credit age or over and getting Housing Benefit.
  • If you live in a ‘shared ownership’ property.
  • If you have been placed in a certain type of ‘temporary accommodation’.
  • If you live in a particular type of supported housing called ‘exempt accommodation’ - ask us if you’re not sure.
  • If your Housing Benefit has already been reduced because of a Rent Officer referral.