Check What You’ll Get

If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, it’s important to know that Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates remain frozen for another year. Despite rising rents, the government has confirmed that LHA rates for April 2025 to March 2026 will stay at 2024/25 levels to help control public spending.

Here’s what this means for private renters, how to check your local rate, and what support is available if your rent isn’t fully covered.

Key Points at a Glance

  • LHA rates are frozen for 2025/26 — they remain at 2024/25 levels.
  • There is no confirmed reinstatement of annual uprating reviews.
  • Shared accommodation rules still apply for most single tenants under 35, though some exemptions exist.
  • Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) and the Household Support Fund can help with shortfalls.
  • ECO4 and GBIS energy schemes remain available through March 2026 for eligible households.

What Is the Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?

The Local Housing Allowance sets the maximum rent amount that can be covered by Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit for private renters.

Your LHA rate depends on:

  • The area you live in (your “Broad Rental Market Area”).
  • The size of property your household needs.
  • Your household situation, such as whether you live alone, with a partner, or have children.

Each local authority area has its own LHA limits based on average rents, though these have now been frozen again for 2025/26.

What’s Happening in 2025/26

The government has confirmed that LHA rates remain frozen at 2024/25 levels, meaning there will be no increase to reflect current rent rises this year.

  • The freeze applies across all Broad Rental Market Areas in England, Scotland, and Wales.
  • There is no confirmed date for a return to annual uprating.
  • The shared accommodation rate continues to apply to most single people under 35, although exemptions remain for those with severe disabilities, care needs, or a history of local authority care.

If your rent has increased since your last assessment, your LHA rate will not rise to match, but other support may still be available.

You can read more about local cost-of-living support in the Household Support Fund 2025 Extension article.

How to Check Your LHA Rate

You can check your current LHA rate online:

If you’re claiming Universal Credit, your housing costs element appears in your online statement. It shows the monthly amount the DWP pays towards your rent.

Keep your rent and tenancy details up to date in your Universal Credit account so your payments remain correct.

How Universal Credit Housing Costs Are Calculated

  • Private tenants: Your housing element is capped by your local LHA rate, which remains frozen for 2025/26.
  • Social tenants: Your rent is based on government rent-setting rules (usually capped at CPI + 1%). Universal Credit adjusts automatically once your landlord reports new rent figures.

If your rent is higher than your housing costs support, you can apply for help through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from your local council.

Find your local DHP scheme via Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

What to Do if Your Rent Isn’t Fully Covered

If you still face a rent shortfall:

  • Apply for a DHP from your council for short-term or emergency help.
  • Ask about the Household Support Fund, which can help with rent, energy, or food bills.
  • Speak to your landlord early if you anticipate payment problems.
  • Review any deductions from your Universal Credit — under the Universal Credit Deduction Cap 2025, most deductions are limited to 15%, leaving you with more to cover rent and bills.

Example: How the Freeze Affects Claimants

A single tenant in Manchester paying £700 per month still receives £640 in housing support, based on the frozen 2024/25 LHA rate. Even though local rents have risen, their support stays the same, leaving a larger shortfall to cover personally.

What This Means for You

While there’s no increase to housing support in 2025/26, help remains available for tenants facing hardship through DHPs, the Household Support Fund, and reduced UC deductions.

Check your LHA rate, update your rent details, and apply early for any extra help if you’re struggling with housing costs.

Don’t Forget

If you receive Universal Credit or other income-based benefits, you may also be eligible for free home energy improvements through the government’s ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These national schemes can fund insulation, boiler replacements, and heating upgrades to make your home warmer and cut your energy bills, especially helpful if your health condition makes you more sensitive to the cold.

Use our Eligibility checker to find out if your property qualifies. It takes just two minutes and could help you access grants or upgrades to reduce energy costs this winter.