Payments

Payments of Local Housing Allowance

Housing Benefit is normally paid to the tenant under LHA rules to encourage claimants to take responsibility for their affairs. We encourage claimants to receive their benefit directly to their bank accounts. If this is not possible, we pay claimants by cheque. For more information on setting up a basic bank account download a copy of our Basic Bank Accounts leaflet (PDF 546KB).

In some circumstances we will have to pay benefit directly to landlords. If we think that the claimant will not pay their rent or have difficulty managing their financial affairs or it will help the claimant get or keep a tenancy, we will pay the landlord directly.

The 8 week rent arrears rule that is currently in place for Housing Benefit claims still exists. If a claimant falls 8 weeks behind with their rent, we can change their claim so that future payments of benefit go directly to the landlord.

We have drawn up procedures that explain our rules on the payment of Housing Benefit under the LHA rules. If you would like to read this, please go to the attached files section at the bottom of this page. If you would like to ask any questions or make a comment on this document, please email us at benefits@haringey.gov.uk.

Attached Files