Additional bedroom for a live-in carer

What does this change mean?

From 1 April 2011, a live-in carer can be taken into account when working out how much Housing Benefit to pay. You may be entitled to extra benefit for a bedroom that is used by a carer (or team of carers) who do not actually live in your home.

Do I have to be a certain type of tenant to benefit from this change?

This change applies to all tenants who meet the qualifying conditions and live in privately rented accommodation.

What are the qualifying conditions?

• The person who requires the over night care, receives Attendance Allowance, or the middle/highest rate of Disability Living Allowance or can provide enough evidence that the over night care is necessary.
• Someone (other than a partner or relative) regularly stays overnight to provide that care.
• That person has a separate bedroom (in addition to those normally used by the people who live in your home).

I have a carer who stays overnight, how do I apply for this extra benefit?

If you think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit for an extra bedroom for an overnight carer please download and fill in Extra bedroom for overnight carers form.  You must already have an extra bedroom in your home available for the carer to use before you get this help. If you are already getting Housing Benefit and meet the conditions for this extra help you will be entitled to it from the date the legislation becomes effective, i.e 1 April 2011.

My partner is severely disabled and I am his full time carer.  He has extensive medical needs and need his own bedroom.  Can I claim this extra room rate?

No, The change only applies where the person making the Housing Benefit claim, or their partner, needs overnight care and the extra bedroom is specifically for the carer.

My child is disabled and has high dependency on medical equipment.  We have had to move into a larger property to ensure we have an extra bedroom for this equipment.  Will I be able to claim this extra bed room rate?

No.  The change only applies where the person making the Housing Benefit claim, or their partner, needs overnight care and the extra bedroom is specifically for the carer.