21.25 Housing is included in Universal Credit for most working age claimants. Universal Credit restricts the level of help for single people aged under 35 who live on their own and live in the private rented sector to the shared accommodation rate of Local Housing Allowance, rather than the one-bedroom self-contained rate. This reflects the rent levels of properties with sole use of a bedroom and shared use of at least a living room, kitchen and bathroom. Individuals managed at MAPPA Level 2 and 3 who live in a self-contained property are exempt from the shared accommodation rate in Universal Credit if they are aged under 35.

21.26 Individuals of pension age or those who are in temporary accommodation or supported/sheltered housing claim Housing Benefit from the Local Authority.

21.27 The Lead Agency must complete a MAPPA J (for Universal Credit) or MAPPA P (for Housing Benefit administered by the Local Authority) where the criteria for exemption to the shared accommodation rate have been met. An individual may reach their 35th birthday before MAPPA management ends and will therefore no longer require an exemption. The exemption will continue to apply even if an individual managed under MAPPA Level 2 or 3 is re-assessed as Level 1, unless they change address. The Lead Agency should issue a new MAPPA J or MAPPA P when a claimant changes address.

21.28 Other MAPPA managed individuals who do not qualify for the exemption will need to make an application for a Discretionary Housing Payment to the Local Authority who will consider each request on a case-by-case basis depending upon the needs of the individual and the risk of harm level. They may benefit from support from the Lead Agency.