Housing Benefit Reform: the Local Housing Allowance Q&A

Private tenants claiming housing benefit in Edinburgh and other pathfinder areas, will get a standard allowance called the local housing allowance, which is based on the area in which they live and the number of people living in their home. This could be more or less than the actual rent they pay. If it is more they keep the difference, if less they will have to make up the shortfall from other incomes.