The Government introduced an under-occupancy penalty (also known as the Bedroom Tax). This only affects working age claimants. If your property is deemed too big for your needs your benefit award can be cut. It means a cut in Housing Benefit for many customers under pension credit age

 The rules allow one bedroom for: 

• Every adult couple (married or unmarried)
• Any person over 16
• Two children of the same sex aged under 16 (they’re expected to share)
• Two children under the age of 10 of opposite sex (they’re expected to share)
• A carer for overnight stays. 

If you have a child that needs their own room for medical reasons then you can ask for this to be taken into account when your benefit award is assessed.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/271013/housing-benefit-factsheet-1-removal-spare-room-subsidy.pdf

Our priority is to help give you as many options as possible so you can pay your rent. If you are affected by the Under Occupation Penalty do speak to your Customer Account Team who will be able to offer some advice and support.