housing benefit and benefit basics query, please help

Jowo_2

dustinjames wrote: »

full time working, no problem.
Its if i go part time or am unemployed, things will be strained.
But LHA should cover this hopefully.

It will cover some or all of the rent and you may get discounted some or all of the council tax depending on your income.

But can you pay for all your other outgoings - food and household bills - on £65 per week which is the current rate for JSA?

Jowo_2

dustinjames wrote: »

Do the letting agency call up your employer for a reference?
or do we just show them our bank statments and or employment contract??
my bank balance is always low and often overdrawn, is this good enough reason for letting agency to decline my offer to rent???

Who is 'we'? The rigour of the checks and evidence vary - they look out in particular for CCJs. Employer reference is standard as they'll want to verify the tenants income.

dustinjames wrote: »

utilities, yes, i dont plan on having a tv, broadband yes,
contents insurance, yes. I def will need to be insured for my personal belongings, how much are we talking roughly?????

utilities, cost to set them up? or just get billed on usage?

There are forums on MSE that can recommend deals for utilities/telecoms/insurance and give you guidance on their costs. You may need to pay a connection fee to BT of more than £100 for the line if its not been in use recently. There isn't usually connection fees associated with energy (unless the property has prepayment meters and want to switch to conventional ones), most broadband packages or to register for a water account.

Submit a new thread on the housing forum to ask members of the general costs involved in running a studio flat, let them know the type of heating (gas or electric which is usually dearer) and other members will say what they typically pay.

You can find out the council tax and water charges from the local council and local waterboard websites.

AngelBadger

I can tell you from experience that if you do go part-time or onto JSA, you won't be able to afford to keep a car long term, but if you're living in the city centre I don't expect it to be a necessity.

dustinjames

hi

my contractual company sick pay has been stopped by the company, as they say its at their discretion anyway, and so told me I will be just getting SSP from now on.

I started renting a flat last week.
Does this mean I am eligible for housing beneift now?

the thing is, i dont know when i will be going back to work, i could go back in a week or 2 or 3 weeks onwards
if this is the case, is it still beneficial to apply for LHA?

another thing, would my letting agent be involved? do i have to ask him first if he accepts LHA? or would i just apply to council?
our relations(letting agent to me) have turned a bit sour, he seems fed up with me already and showing attitude and cold customer service..

any advice? thankyou

lynzpower

HI Dustin,

First you need to have a look for the LHA rate for your area. If you google LHA rate youll find it.

You may not get the full amount for example if you have a 2 bed flat and you are living alone? Youll have to check the figures.

I would definately apply as you dont know when you will go back to work and you cant back date the claim.

If you apply asap, you just need to let them know in writing asap when you cease being eligible - ie when you get back to work.

And no need to tell the landlord as the LHA comes directly to you. YOu might want to let him know that there could be a delay with the money, in case it takes a while to process, which I expect it will JUst a bit of courtesy.

dustinjames

thankyou, sorry do not have internet access at home.

what are the options for a person on SSP?
If i give in my notice, what are the consequences? I will get no benefits eg job seekers or housing benefit?
I am ready to end the relationship with employer, the job is no good for my health, the doctor agrees.
But citizens advice once told me to keep giving sick notes, and let company get rid of me as then you qualify for benefits.

What if i find a new part time job?

If i give in my notice, can I not explain my situation to job centre which would state that the job has deteriorated my health and was and is not good for my wellbeing. And if i were to get a letter supporting this decision from doctor? Ive got a history of seeing specialists and medical professionals about my health, partly work related, so its all documented.

thanks.

Indie_Kid

You may get sanctioned if you leave your job voluntarily.

dustinjames

thanks...sanctioned by who? i dont understand.

DX2

dustinjames wrote: »

But citizens advice once told me to keep giving sick notes, and let company get rid of me as then you qualify for benefits.

^^^ Best option imho.

terryw

dustinjames wrote: »

thanks...sanctioned by who? i dont understand.

The job centre