BTW, new rules are coming in that those who are under 25 will not be able to claim benefit for living alone.
Are there? I was under the impression there were already new rules. Since 1st January 2012 if you are 16-34, on a low income, and living alone, you can get Local Housing Allowance (LHA), but only at a
shared accommodation rate (set locally) if renting in the private sector. ie, one room in a house with shared bathroom and kitchen. If someone 16-34, and on a low income, privately rents a self-contained flat or larger property, they can still get the LHA, but again, only at the shared accommodation rate. Any shortfall in the rent will have to come from their income.
If you are 16-34, on a low income and/or claiming state benefits
and you are renting from a Local Authority or Housing Association, then you can still claim Housing Benefit (HB). HB will not be paid for any bedrooms in excess of need (the so-called Bedroom Tax).
Along with everyone else, 16-34s can claim Council Tax Reduction if they are eligible.
Under 25s can still claim: JSA if they are looking for work; ESA if they are unable to work through illness or disability; Income Support if they are on a low income and/or are a lone parent; DLA/PIP for extra costs associated with long term illness/disability; Tax Credits if they work but are on a low income; Child Benefit if they have children.
Many of these benefits will be replaced by Universal Credit over the coming months and years, but they will still be available to under 25s.
There are
no plans to stop benefits for those under 25 and living alone. Rates and rules may be changing, benefit names may be changing, but there is no forthcoming legislation that will deny benefits to under 25s if they live alone.