Housing Benefit

amiehall

I'm moving house next week to a whole new area and I'm taking up a new job. The job I'm taking has much improved prospects for myself and will lead to something much higher paid so I can improve my personal situation.

However, my initial job offer is only for 20 hours a week. I should be making about £135 a week (gross) for the first couple of months. I think I should be entitled to housing benefit according to the calculator I've done.

I can afford the rent of £60pw, however, obviously on this low income, any support is appreciated. I have looked at the housing benefit application forms and I just want to cry.

I don't have any of the evidence. For example, how am I supposed to get proof of address for a new home? I get paperless bank statements so will my bank provide the necessary paper copies for a claim? Is it possible to claim without telling my landlord as I have been granted the tenancy on the basis that I will be working, which I am. It just seems a shame not to claim benefit that I'm entitled to.

As I'm starting a new job, obviously I have no evidence of income and it will take 6 weeks to be paid enough times to satisfy their evidence requirements. When I look at certification, they still want a statement of past earnings not a guide to future ones.

I also need a lot of information about other residents of the house. I am renting a room and sharing kitchen/bathroom/living areas of the house. Also in the house is one tenant with the same arrangement and the live-in landlord, who has his own private areas in the house. Do I need all their details to claim? How do I ask for near-strangers' NI numbers without being rude?

I'm just in a total state about this. I can't believe it can be this difficult to claim £15 a week which I'm clearly entitled to.

Any help or advice most appreciated.

karenx

For work details, a contract of employment is sufficent as it states your name, adress, and how much you are paid and how meny hours etc etc.
You can request a paper copy of a bank statement from your bank, altho it could take a few weeks to come through.
Yes you do need to tell your landlord you are claiming as it could invalidate their insurance. Some dont accept housing benefit tenants. So its in your best interests to tell him.
You will also need your tenancy agreement to send to housing benefit also!

amiehall

So I have to lose out on the HB? I guess I can chat with my landlord but all the rooms I looked at wouldn't let you use DSS. Where do people on HB find housing??

It wouldn't be full HB. Do you think my landlord would still have a problem with this? I'd really rather keep them out of my personal finances. Surely it's not their concern as long as the rent is paid.

nannytone_2

it isnt so much about where the money comes from...its the insurance implications.
if your landlords insurance doesnt cover HB tenents he wouldnt be able to claim if necessary!

karenx

It doesnt matter if you claim £150 a week or £15 a week the landlord still needs to know. Some insurance companies are ok with accepting it and some arent. And untill you ask then you dont know if its allowed.