Under-occupancy
The Social Sector Size Criteria introduced new under-occupancy rules on 1 April 2013. This change is also known as the Spare Room Subsidy, or the Bedroom Tax. People born after 5 October 1951 who receive housing benefit and live in council or housing association properties with more bedrooms than the new rules permit will have their housing benefit reduced.
Under-occupancy rules:
For housing benefit purposes, each of the following members of a household are entitled to one bedroom:
| • | a single person or a couple |
| • | another adult who is aged 16 or over |
| • | two children who are younger than 16 and of the same sex |
| • | two children of either sex who are younger than 10 |
| • | one bedroom for any other child |
| • | a non-resident carer who provides overnight care for a person with a disability |
| • | if you have one extra bedroom your Housing Benefit will be cut by 14% of your eligible rent (regardless of whether your Housing Benefit is for the full rent). This means that you could get, on average, £11 per week less towards your rent. |
| • | if you have two or more extra bedrooms, your Housing Benefit will be cut by 25% of your eligible rent (regardless of whether your Housing Benefit is for the full rent). This means that you could get, on average, £20 per week less towards your rent. |
| • | if you have one or more extra bedrooms than the rules allow, you will have to pay the difference between your housing benefit and your rent. |
Following legislative changes and case law which allow an additional bedroom in some circumstances, Glasgow City Council has introduced a form for households where they may be an entitlement to an additional bedroom. If you are in one of the following categories, please seek advice if you are unsure what to do.
| • | Foster Carers |
| • | A claimant or partner who require an overnight carer |
| • | Disabled child unable to share a bedroom |
| • | Parents of Armed Forces Personnel who are deployed on operations |
To apply for the Additional Room Allowance you can download the form here [34kb]
Guidance on the qualifying conditions and the evidence required can be found here [24kb]
If you have any questions about housing benefit contact your local Council Tax/Housing Benefit office or telephone 0141 287 5050. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. You can also visit a local
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Centre.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Centre.
What else can you do?
| • | The Scottish Government has provided additional funding to help people meet additional housing costs brought in by the 'Bedroom Tax'. Speak to the council about discretionary housing payments (DHP) |
| • | Speak to your landlord or housing association about your options. Ask if your housing association has a welfare rights officer who will explain what the change means to you and discuss your options. |
| • | More information about the Additional Bedroom Allowance can be found here |
| • | Search for a local independent advice agency here |
| • | The Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Guide gives some helpful advice on what to do if your housing benefit is cut. |
| • | If you are considering moving home Shelter provide information on transfers and exchanges for housing association tenants. |
| • | Contact the GAIN Helpline for advice on 0808 801 1011, Mon - Fri 9am – 8pm and Sat 10am - 2pm |