Housing Benefit room rates and under-occupancy

If you live in social housing, your Housing Benefit may be reduced if you have more bedrooms than you need. This is often called the 'bedroom tax'.

The reduction is:

• 14% for one extra bedroom
• 25% for two or more extra bedrooms

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, talk to your landlord or consider moving to smaller accommodation. Many Housing Associations offer mutual exchange schemes, allowing tenants to swap properties. 

Learn more and register at the Trafford Home Search website.

For details about bedroom entitlement, see GOV.UK’s guide on Housing Benefit.

If you are single and under 35

Most single people under 35 have their Housing Benefit capped at the Shared Accommodation Rate. This usually applies if you:

• live alone in self-contained accommodation
• rent from a private landlord
• don’t qualify for an exemption

You may be exempt from the Shared Accommodation Rate if you:

• are a care-leaver under 25
• have spent at least three months in a hostel for homeless people
• are an ex-offender aged 25-34 under multi-agency management
• require overnight care and have a spare bedroom
• have a foster child or young person living with you
• are a victim of domestic violence or modern slavery
• receive certain disability benefits and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you

To find out if you qualify for an exemption, you will to provide evidence of your circumstances using the online form below.

Tell us about a change in circumstances

Use the GOV.UK benefits calculator to estimate your Housing Benefit.