Benefits while working part time. Advice needed please.

Indie_Kid

Some people qualify for housing benefits due to having a low income. You may find that you only get some help with your rent.

Jowo_2

For tenants in private rentals submitting new claims, this is called Local Housing Allowance (HB is for social housing tenants and private tenants who haven't submitted new claims so continue under HB).

Many working people on low incomes are eligible for LHA - many people with jobs get it.

Go the LHA direct website to find out the LHA rate for the size of property you are eligible for (shared property rate if under 25) for the postcode area you live in. This will indicate maximum rate payable.

Then enter your details into the Turn2us (entitled to) website which is a benefit calculator.

There are many myths surrounding tax credits that have led to people to assume that there is a magic 16 hour employment threshold which catapults them into receiving the equivalent in benefits of a full time wage. It may do for some who feel they are 'better off' working part time for 16 hours only but it doesn't for many.

Benefits_Bod

Just a friendly clarification...

Local Housing Allowance is still Housing Benefit. LHA is simply the latest in a long line of mechanisms used by the government to set a maximum level of rent that can be used in the calculation of HB for most (but not all) private tenants.

sh1305 is correct - HB can be claimed by anyone on a low income. There is no requirement for a claimant (or member of the family) to be on an income-related benefit.

FOXGLOVE_2

Jowo wrote: »

For tenants in private rentals submitting new claims, this is called Local Housing Allowance (HB is for social housing tenants and private tenants who haven't submitted new claims so continue under HB).

Many working people on low incomes are eligible for LHA - many people with jobs get it.

Go the LHA direct website to find out the LHA rate for the size of property you are eligible for (shared property rate if under 25) for the postcode area you live in. This will indicate maximum rate payable.

Then enter your details into the Turn2us (entitled to) website which is a benefit calculator.

There are many myths surrounding tax credits that have led to people to assume that there is a magic 16 hour employment threshold which catapults them into receiving the equivalent in benefits of a full time wage. It may do for some who feel they are 'better off' working part time for 16 hours only but it doesn't for many.

I rent from a housing association. I have a flatmate here who pays half the rent.

I used the calculator thing already but it just told me what the Jobcentre advisor did - that I MAY be entitled to these benefits.