Work and Council Tax/Rent Benefits

deepindebtor

Hi,

I have a possible opportunity for some work, that will grow as time moves on however the income at the start will be low.

I have been unemployed for two years now and it would be nice to be off the dole and back at work. I am sure I could make something of it.

My question is, getting started is always a problem and while I know I can claim tax credits for the first year or so would I be able to get a continuation of my council tax and council rent benefits?

Is there any run on that can be claimed or if I do findmyself on a low income, as I might do for the first little while, can I claim some kind of income support even though I would be working?

Maybe someone can help?

I am asking here first as I don't want to be seen to be turning down possible work, but I need things to add up first before I can realistically go ahead. No point in doing this if I cant pay even the basic bills.

DX2

deepindebtor wrote: »

Hi,

I have a possible opportunity for some work, that will grow as time moves on however the income at the start will be low.

I have been unemployed for two years now and it would be nice to be off the dole and back at work. I am sure I could make something of it.

My question is, getting started is always a problem and while I know I can claim tax credits for the first year or so would I be able to get a continuation of my council tax and council rent benefits?

Is there any run on that can be claimed or if I do findmyself on a low income, as I might do for the first little while, can I claim some kind of income support even though I would be working?

Maybe someone can help?

I am asking here first as I don't want to be seen to be turning down possible work, but I need things to add up first before I can realistically go ahead. No point in doing this if I cant pay even the basic bills.

Okay you will get a 4 week run on with your housing benefit and council tax benefit, you will also get a job grant IIRC £250 when you start work.

WTC assuming you are over 25 and working 30 hours on a low income you will get this also.

Do you have any children? Are you a lone parent?

karenx

You will get a 4 week run on of council tax and housing benefit from when you sign off JSA. Then you might still get some help towards both depending on your wage. If you google LHA rates then you can see what the maximum award you would get depending on your age etc, thats if you qualify for full entitlement. And from there it is worked out how much you should pay towards rent

deepindebtor

I am single and with no children and in a council property.

My wage is likely to be nothing as outgoings will no doubt be more than incomings for the first little while, maybe 4-6 months.

karenx

For housing benefit they do not take into account any debts and bills etc you have to pay. It goes on your wage alone and any other incomings you have to work out how much you should pay.