Social Sector Size Criteria (under-occupancy charge)
The Social Sector Size Criteria, sometimes known as the under-occupancy charge or 'bedroom tax', affects working-age tenants in housing association properties who get Housing Benefit.
If you are assessed as having more bedrooms than needed, your Housing Benefit payments will be reduced by:
- 14% if you have 1 bedroom more than your assessed need
- 25% if you have 2 or more bedrooms more than your assessed need
The rules mean that you are allowed one bedroom for:
- a couple
- an adult
- two children of the same sex under 16
- two children under 10
- any other child
- a non-resident carer providing overnight care
- a person who normally lives with you but is deployed on active service
If you are affected by the Social Sector Size Criteria rules then you may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment.