Housing benefit advice needed for LHA query

[gnomeathome]

We need to move (renting) and looking for a 3 bed close to where we live.
We currently receive a top up of housing benefit as we both work but rents are high (London)
Many estate agents don't accept HB - even if its a minimal amount.
We have found the ideal property close to where we are now which accepts part housing benefit and is ok with us having a pet.
However, its a 4 bed and our LHA entitlement for housing benefit is for a 3 bed. This place is £150 more a month than other 3 beds in the area. But I am wondering how this would work with HB? Would our application for HB be treated as what we need, ie as a 3 bed? Or what we actually have?
Basically I am just trying to work out if we can afford it. Thank you.

I think the LHA rate would be based on what you need sorry.

I doubt if you could continue to receive housing benefit as a change to your claim would mean a move to universal credit.

They would pay based on the 3 bedroom LHA, no matter how big or small the property is. To find your LHA google your area and LHA amounts.

Yes your HB will be based on what you need.

A move to UC would only be triggered if the OP moved out of her existing LA area. If not she could carry on claiming HB.

And yes your HB entitlement would be based on the LHA for a 3.bed.

Yes the LHA two bedroom rate would apply and you would need to make up the shortfall. As others have said you would only need to switch to UC if you are making a new application for housing benefit in a new local authority.

I have a sick child and don't know which way to turn. Any advice please.
• Maintenance - we have a consent order but the solicitor never put in to increase it so he’s never increased since 2008! Can I increase it somehow? Can the child support people help if I have a consent order?
• Mortgage - the EC has said if I go for more maintenance (I asked him politely first) - he said if I try this he’d force me to sell the house to get his name off the mortgage, can he?
• Housing - if he forces sale/if I have to sell up where do we stand with housing as we’ll have some equity 50-100k? Could I get Eloise her own bungalow with her dogs and a bedroom for me as her carer?