If you have a spare room and are of working age, your housing benefit will be cut by 14% for one spare room and 25% if you have a second spare room.
You will be allowed one bedroom for:
- an adult couple
- a person aged 16 or over
- two children of the same sex aged under 16
- two children of any sex under the age of 10
- a single child under 16
- a carer (who does not normally live with you) if you or your partner need overnight care.
Children with two homes can only be registered at one address. However, you may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local authority, if yours is the second address.
You will be exempt from the charge if you are a registered foster carer.
If someone in your household is disabled and receiving disability benefits, they may be able to claim additional money if they cannot sleep with their partner or another child.
For further advice, speak to your Housing Officer.
If your circumstances change, ie. a member of your household moves out, the ‘Bedroom Tax’ may then apply and your housing benefit will be reduced. If this happens please speak to your Housing Officer.