In April each year the government gives us figures to use to work out housing benefit entitlement. These are called personal allowances and premiums.

Personal allowances depend upon:

• your age
• whether you are single or have a partner
• any dependent children you may have and their ages

Premiums are extra sums of money intended to recognise the special needs of:

• families
• elderly people
• disabled people and people who care for a disabled person
• lone parent families
• people who have been sick for over 52 weeks or 28 weeks if they are terminally ill

The total income for your household (less any disregarded income) is compared to the total allowances and premiums appropriate for your personal circumstances. If this amount is less than their combined total you will qualify for maximum housing benefit. If it is more your housing benefit will be reduced.