Bedroom entitlement

How many bedrooms you are entitled to when we calculate Housing Benefit depends on the size of your family.

We will need to see evidence of who lives in your home

  • Child Benefit letter showing name, address, date of birth and amount of benefit
  • a birth certificate or passport showing your child's date of birth; and
  • details of anyone who lives with you as part of your household but is not charged rent (non-dependants).

You are allowed one bedroom for each of the following, up to a maximum of four rooms

  • each couple
  • each other person aged 16 or over
  • two children under 16 of the same sex
  • two children under 10 of the same or opposite sex
  • any other child (including one bedroom for foster children)
  • an overnight carer who stays with you regularly.

Children may have their own bedroom if they are unable to share due to a disability or medical condition. However, for an extra bedroom to be considered please explain your reasons in writing and provide supporting evidence.

Approved foster carers can have one spare bedroom. Please contact us for more details if this affects you.

Get in touch about benefits

The quickest way to contact us is by using our online forms which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need to speak to us give us a call during office hours and talk to our benefits team who will be happy to help.