Single, Employed, Renting - Can I get anything at all?

gunark

Hi,

Hope you may be able to assist me throught the forest of information and benefits! I'm sure it's just as confusing to anyone. I'm just looking to see if I can get anything at all back from the govt. Here's my situation.

From Sept 05 to June 08 I was a mature student (I'm 33) and in the last tax year I earnt (from agency work and part time work) under £5000. Now I've moved back and got a flat, 1 bed, by myself and am working 37hrs a week for circa £240 after tax (less if I've been off ill, as it's agency). My rent is £475 a month and my total outgoings with bills and food and that are around £725. I currently get the 25% single occupancy discount on my Council Tax but nothing more. I have no kids and no savings either and no other income or inheritances etc..

Is there any tax credits, housing benefits, tax rebates, just anything I can get? Any help or advice gratefully accepted!

Charis

Have you tried Martin's Benefits checker? http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/protect/benefits-check
Some benefits are actually based on what you earned in the last financial year, so you may be able to claim more than you think. Also have you made sure that you have reclaimed any Income Tax you had deducted last year? You earned less than the single person allowance. Your tax office (address on P60 or P45) can help you with that.

gunark

Charis wrote: »

Have you tried Martin's Benefits checker? http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/protect/benefits-check
Some benefits are actually based on what you earned in the last financial year, so you may be able to claim more than you think. Also have you made sure that you have reclaimed any Income Tax you had deducted last year? You earned less than the single person allowance. Your tax office (address on P60 or P45) can help you with that.

Hmm, according to entitledto, I should get about £40 per week on Working Tax Credits! So, even if I'm earning now, because I was a student the tax year before, I can claim? As, by using the same calculator, next year (going by this year's possible earnings) I'd get £0. I'm just unsure about claiming, getting and then being presented with a bill next tax year for repayment for benefits I shouldn't have got! Can this be backdated too, to when I started work (beginning of July)?

(oh and I've got £50 on my P60 so off that goes to the taxman!)