Housing Benefit while working part time

richpoortyke

Is it possible to claim housing benefit while working on 10-12 hours per week?
I dont want to sign on anymore but there only seems to be part time work around in my area at the moment. I aim to either study part time/ or do voluntary work to fill my time up.
I know you can continue to sign on while working part time for national insurance but as this is hopefully going to be a temporary measure im not too concerned about that.
I am however concerned about paying my rent and council tax.
Can i claim HB and CTB while working just 10-12 hours and NOT signing on or wont they allow this?

Any help much appreciated

Jowo_2

I believe you can submit a claim for HB and CT even if you are not claiming other benefits as its means tested and based on income.

Where do you live - in private or social housing?

The Turn2us online benefit calculator will help you identify all benefit entitlements.

richpoortyke

Thanks. Its a private Landlord i rent from.

Jowo_2

You can identify the maximum LHA rate on the LHA direct website and the Turn2us website will calculate how much you would get, according to your income, savings, etc.

Sharon87

Fill out a change of circumstances form at the housing benefit office. Tell them your hours, pay.etc Bring in proof like a wage slip or contract stating the amount you get paid. It'll get assessed. I think you need to book an appointment by phone, but it depends on what borough you're in.

richpoortyke

So i should be ok to get housing benefit then? Would i still be ok to receive child tax credits too?
I seem to have it in my mind that i need to either be working 16 hours or not at all to receive either HB or CTC.

Sharon87

No that's tax credits/JSA. HB and CTC is based purely on income. They disregard the first £50/£60 of your payment (JSA rate) and then use the rest of your income to calculate how much you're entitled to. So if you're 16 hours on minimum wage you get more benefit than if you're earning £9 per hour.

Believe me I worked on a low income (suppose to be full time) for a year and was claiming HB, and had to hand in my monthly pay slips, as I always worked different hours