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Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance is a way of working out new claims for Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord. It also affects tenants already getting Housing Benefit who move into accommodation rented from a private landlord.

If you live in Council accommodation or rent from the Orkney Housing Association, Local Housing Allowance will not affect you.

Local Housing Allowance Leaflets

Further information about the Local Housing Allowance is available from the Related Downloads section of this page.

Extra Rules

There are extra rules for working out your Local Housing Allowance if you fall into one of the following categories. These extra rules are covered in separate leaflets that can be downloaded from the Related Downloads section of this page.

Working out your Local Housing Allowance if you are aged 35 or over.
Working out your Local Housing Allowance if you are aged under 35.
Working out your Local Housing Allowance if you are a couple.
Working out your Local Housing Allowance if you are a care leaver under 22.
Working out your Local Housing Allowance if you are severely disabled.

Direct Payments to Landlords - Safeguard Policy

One of the main features of Local Housing Allowance is that benefit is normally paid direct to the tenant - not the landlord. However, there are a range of safeguards to protect the interests of benefit claimants and landlords. You can download the Local Housing Allowance: Direct Payment to Landlords - Safeguard Policy document for further information.