How to go about getting DSS to help pay rent

**uperkurk** · 10-01-2009 15:50 PM

Hello. I have been given a "dead line" to leave the house where I am staying at the moment which is 1 month. I have deposit money and something like a bedsit would be fine until I find my feet. I was just wondering how much the DSS would roughly pay of that rent and how to go about it all. What forms to get, where to get them, any special conditions ect. I am very new to all this and really dont have a clue where to start. If the rent for the bedsit was £100 a month im guessing they may pay £60 or £70 a of that? I also dont have a job at the moment so I can't just move out otherwise I would. Any suggestions would be very kind. Thanks alot.

My local council is barking and dagenham but dont know where to go to enquire about this.

**socrates** · 10-01-2009 17:37 PM

This question would be better answered IMO on money saving expert website - give it a go.

**Mrs Mug** · 10-01-2009 18:52 PM

The following link is for the Local Housing Allowance paid by your council. Just select Barking and Dagenham.

https://lha-direct.therentservice.go...?SearchType=LA

I believe that you have to claim Housing Benefit from your local council office. I would search on their website.

**uperkurk** · 10-01-2009 20:24 PM

Thanks very much for your reply. How long "generally" does it take for this process to happen. From getting the correct forms to moving into a place. Any ideas?

**Mrs Mug** · 10-01-2009 20:44 PM

Originally Posted by uperkurk

How long "generally" does it take for this process to happen. From getting the correct forms to moving into a place. Any ideas?

Sorry, I've no idea about that. I'm a landlord.

**socrates** · 10-01-2009 20:47 PM

Exactly why I said money saving expert mostly tenants there

**uperkurk** · 10-01-2009 22:31 PM

Thanks for your reply. I am going to sort it all out on monday. If I didnt have deposit money I would be really stuck lol. Thanks again for your time to reply.

**Michael Clayton** · 20-01-2009 19:50 PM

Depending on your circumstances, you can apply to DSS or the local authority.

Most people receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (income based) or Pension Credit (Guarantee) choose the DSS / Pension Service route. In this way, they deal with their main claim and are invited to make a supplementary application for HB/CTB.

The HB/CTB details are then passed to the local authority; usually supported by an Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit notification.

The law says that a claimant who has claimed a rent allowance (HB) should normally be paid at least an interim amount within 14 days of the claim. In other words, where it is impractical to make a make a determination within 14 days, a payment on account must be considered as an alternative.

Housing and Council Tax Benefits
Revenues and Benefits
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
90 Stour Road
Dagenham
RM10 7JD

How to avoid potential difficulties
Respond to further requests for information.
Co-operate.

Useful information from Mrs Mug on the subject of local housing allowance. Please be aware that it is your use of accommodation that determines the LHA. For example, you cannot claim a 6 bedroom LHA allocation if there is only one of you!!