Bedroom Tax and DLA HRC

Regarding the bedroom tax for people in council homes from April 2013; it's my understanding that few people will be exempt from this, but people who have a carer to stay (presumable one who does not normally live there) will not have to pay the tax on one extra bedroom. But who do we go to to tell about this circumstance in our homes? Is it the local housing benefit office? And what will they want from us? Would an award of HRC DLA be sufficient to convince them that overnight carers are needed? If you have any links or information I would appreciate it.

Kate32 wrote:

Regarding the bedroom tax for people in council homes from April 2013; it's my understanding that few people will be exempt from this, but people who have a carer to stay (presumable one who does not normally live there) will not have to pay the tax on one extra bedroom. But who do we go to to tell about this circumstance in our homes? Is it the local housing benefit office? And what will they want from us? Would an award of HRC DLA be sufficient to convince them that overnight carers are needed? If you have any links or information I would appreciate it.

Hi K32,

Housing Benefit is not within our remit.

However, being in receipt of any award of DLA alone, will not exempt you.

There are discretionary payments available apparently.

You should seek face to face advice, SEE :

Where to get advice?

If you are a local authority or housing association tenant they may well have welfare rights advisers who can help with this.

It will be the Housing Benefits Department that actually administer this new law in April 2013.

bro58