Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Calculator

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Room Calculator

Bedroom entitlement calculator for your Local Housing Allowance category
In each area there will be several LHA rates (categories), so before you look up your weekly LHA amount (it should be on your local council's website) you need to know your LHA category and this depends on the number of bedrooms appropriate for your household (you, your family and others who live with you). So to find the right number of bedrooms (up to the maximum of 4) for you, just select the circumstances which describe you (and your family, if any) on the lists below and let the program work it out.

If you live with no dependent children and your situation matches one of the basic circumstances listed here on the right then select that one and go straight to the Calculate button. A separate property means either you have exclusive use of at least 2 rooms or exclusive use of one room and a bathroom and toilet and cooking facilities (like a one-bedroom flat). Otherwise, use the boxes below to describe the number of people in your slightly more complex household - no more than 9 members allowed in each category.
Married or unmarried couples (can be same sex)		Single adults (persons aged 16 or over)
Number of boys in the 10 to 15 age range		Number of girls in the 10 to 15 age range
Number of boys in the 9 or under age range		Number of girls in the 9 or under age range

and click to display the bedrooms for you

An explanation of the bedroom rules for household groups. One bedroom for each of the following "people units", counting each person only once, in the first group they match. (a) A married or unmarried couple living together as husband and wife or a same sex couple in a civil partnership or living as if they have formed one. (b) Someone who is 16 or over. (c) Two children of the same sex who are younger than 16. (d) Two children who are younger than 10. (e) A child (a 'child' is someone under 16). Also, if a non-resident overnight carer is required for the claimant (or partner), an additional bedroom can now be given - but not past the maximum number of four.
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* Please note that from 6 April 2009, the maximum Housing Benefit payable will be at the five bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate. If you make a new claim for Housing Benefit or move address in to privately rented accommodation after 6 April 2009, your claim will be assessed according to the five bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate for the area in which you live.

If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit with an LHA rate for six or more bedrooms you will continue to receive that rate until your case is reviewed by your local authority. If there are no changes in your circumstances, your review will normally take place one year after you have made your Housing Benefit claim or one year after your previous review. Following the review, you may be able to continue to receive Housing Benefit for up to 26 weeks at your existing Local Housing Allowance rate. Your claim will then be assessed according to the five bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate in your area.