Social sector size criteria
If you are a council or housing association tenant and you have more bedrooms than allowed, we will reduce your Housing Benefit. This is known as the 'social sector size criteria' or 'bedroom tax'.
The criteria do not apply to:
- people and their partners who have reached state pension age
- temporary accommodation we've placed someone in because of homelessness, or to prevent homelessness
- rooms used by students who are temporarily away from home but intend to return
- a room for a member of the family who's away in the Armed Forces and uses the home as their permanent UK address.
Help us improve this website
We are always looking for ways to improve our website, share your thoughts on how we can improve the information or structure of the site. If you would like, leave your email address for any updates on your suggestions.
To get in touch about a service we provide use our contact us form
Did you find this page useful?
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.