Service Charges

Can someone advise me on service charges provision for Pension credit if the accommodation is rented.  I have a client who rents a flat attached to a Nursing Home where there is a service charge of £44 pw for things such as communal garden, common area heating, lift maintenance etc.  This is separate from an ‘amenity charge’ for her personal heat, water etc.  Pension Credit have written and said that ‘Unfortunately we are unable to pay additional pension credit where Accommodadion is rented.’ Is ths true if these payments are a condition of th Tenancy?

Shouldn’t she claim HB?

Full HB been claimed, but a lot of the charges, mentioned above, not covered by HB