Your assessed need is based on the Government's bedroom standard.  

Some housing providers may allow you to express your interest for properties which are one bedroom more than your assessed need. For example, if you are a couple in a three-bedroom house, your assessed need would be for a one-bedroom property. But you may be able to express your interest for a two-bedroom home.  

If you receive housing benefit, however, housing providers may be unwilling to offer a home with more bedrooms than your assessed need. This is because the rent incurred through those additional bedrooms will not be covered by housing benefit. This follows the Social Size Criteria changes (known as welfare reform or Bedroom Tax) changes introduced in spring 2013.