Applying for JSA - flatmates income?!

foodiestudent

Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of applying for JSA (contributions based I think, as I've been working for about 2 years), however I'm a little confused about a question on the online application form. They are asking what my flatmate's income is, and want 'proof' of 3 months earnings for her.

I'm really quite confused - my flatmate isn't supporting me in any way at all, and I really don't feel comfortable asking how much she earns or for her payslips/a letter from her employer.

They've already asked who my flatmate is and if she's on JSA etc, but surely information about her earnings is confidential as it has nothing to do with me?

Does anyone know why they want to know this information, and whether refusing it will affect my claim?

Thanks!

Pigletto

Are you sure it says flatmate and is not asking questions about who is living with you?

If it is about who is living with you then those questions should be about your household i.e. partner, adult children, other family members not flatmates.

Adereterial

You will have to give them the information they're asking for. They'll need to be satisfied that you are living as two separate households and not as a couple, and if you don't answer they won't progress your claim.

It's possible they're confused about your relationship - have you filled out an LTF1 form? You may also have to have a visit from compliance before they pay you.

Short answer is give them what they're asking for as soon as possible because any delays won't count in your favour. If you're confused as to why they need the information, call them, they'll be able to help or get someone who can to call you back.

seven-day-weekend

My son was asked the same questions about his housemate when he applied for Council Tax Benefit some years ago.

He gave his housemate's name but just said he did not know these other details. I also wrote a letter as I am the landlady and said that none of the housemate's rent payment went to my son in rent or any other way. My son was still awarded the benefit.

The same thing happened last year when the housemate was made redundant and applied for Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit. He answered the same way and was awarded the benefit.

I think it may be to try to decide wheteher you are a couple, or merely flatmates, but it is not a very good way of doing it.

foodiestudent

Thanks for the help everyone. I have a feeling that I may have included her in my 'household' because we share the council tax. This is all very complicated! I think I'm just going to ring them and try and apply on the phone - at least that way I can ask and explain why I don't want to include my flatmate!

Thanks again.

System

If you only share facilities (kitchen, bathroom) etc then you shouldn't have to include your flatmate. I didn't include any of mine on my esa form as i was told they don't count as "household" members if you just share with them.

That said when i moved house i rang up and they asked me if i shared and why i shared etc (cos i can't afford to live alone,i only get the shared toom rate) and they sent out another form for me to fill in saying i'd "moved in with partner" which i had to correct them on. Currently waiting to hear whether they are sending someone round to check.

Mupette

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

My son was asked the same questions about his housemate when he applied for Council Tax Benefit some years ago.

He gave his housemate's name but just said he did not know these other details. I also wrote a letter as I am the landlady and said that none of the housemate's rent payment went to my son in rent or any other way. My son was still awarded the benefit.

The same thing happened last year when the housemate was made redundant and applied for Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit. He answered the same way and was awarded the benefit.

I think it may be to try to decide wheteher you are a couple, or merely flatmates, but it is not a very good way of doing it.

I didn't know you could get HB if renting from your mum..

seven-day-weekend

Mupette wrote: »

I didn't know you could get HB if renting from your mum..

My son did not apply for Housing Benefit for this reason. In fact, he does not pay any rent, he contributes financially in other ways. He applied for, and was allowed, Council Tax benefit as he and his housemate are jointly responsible for it. My son is now in employment and claims no benefits.

The housemate applied for, and was allowed, Local Housing Allowance and CT Benefit for his share of these expenses when he was made redundant last October.

Hope this clarifies.

Mupette

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

My son did not apply for Housing Benefit for this reason. In fact, he does not pay any rent, he contributes financially in other ways. He applied for, and was allowed, Council Tax benefit as he and his housemate are jointly responsible for it. My son is now in employment and claims no benefits.

The housemate applied for, and was allowed, Local Housing Allowance and CT Benefit for his share of these expenses when he was made redundant last October.

Hope this clarifies.

sorry didn't mean to sound nosey. you get told so many conflicting things by dwp and local council,

seven-day-weekend

Mupette wrote: »

sorry didn't mean to sound nosey. you get told so many conflicting things by dwp and local council,

No problem. As a general rule, if you rent from a close relative, you cannot claim HB/LHA although there are certain circumstnces when you can.