Claiming JSA and hous benefit while job is coming to an end

stevelatimer

Need some advice and even the people on the phone couldn't help.

had to move out from my home at short notice at weekend so have sorted a new place to move in shortly. Can pay the rent okay for now. However my job ends in just over 4 weeks and I haven't managed to line up anything else yet.

I know it takes a fair while to sort JSA and even longer for housing so i wondered if I could start the process while still working so that its up and running when I become unemployed. I can prove my employment is ending etc.

I have no savings, assets or money in the bank so cant wait til Im out of work to start the claim, could maybe last a week or so but couldnt pay rent and live for a month (which is how long it can take) while they sort it all out.

Been told to go see someone about it but no interview slots available for a while and I am worried about it in case they say no as I am already in financial trouble.

Can anyone advise?

Cheers

stevelatimer

thanks for posting.

Unfortunately I have exhausted all avenues of credit to pay for the new place. I simply won't be able to get any more.

I pay 6 weeks up front so the first 2 weeks are covered and then get the last 4 weeks of my tenancy free as long as everything is in order.

Unfortunately the timing is really lousy. I will try to save a little bit but its very hard on a part time wage that just about covers my cost of living.

Surely logic would allow you to apply in advance if you could prove definite unemployment from a certain date!

MsShorty

You can claim Housing Benefit up to 13 weeks in advance, if you have the details of your new address. However, they will require documentary evidence that you are in receipt of JSA before they will pay out on your claim.

Alternatively, you can claim Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit at the same time as you claim JSA.

Hope this helps.

Try this link

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018926

stevelatimer

MsShorty wrote: »

You can claim Housing Benefit up to 13 weeks in advance, if you have the details of your new address. However, they will require documentary evidence that you are in receipt of JSA before they will pay out on your claim.

Alternatively, you can claim Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit at the same time as you claim JSA.

Hope this helps.

Try this link

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018926

Thanks.

Unfortunately I wont actually be on JSA for a few weeks after the job ends.

I can prove my new address and rent costs etc in advance without problem but I guess thats not much use really unless I am already on JSA

Stressed.com!

MsShorty

According to the link I provided, you can claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit at the same time as claiming JSA and the JobCentre will pass details of your JSA eligibility onto the local council with your Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit claim.

Looks like this may be your only option.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

karenx

Also remember it might take longer than a month for your HB claim to come through, do you have funds to pay the next rent payment just incase?
Also does your new landlord know you will be claiming HB and some dont accept it and if you dont tell them you could find yourself evicted

stevelatimer

karenx wrote: »

Also remember it might take longer than a month for your HB claim to come through, do you have funds to pay the next rent payment just incase?
Also does your new landlord know you will be claiming HB and some dont accept it and if you dont tell them you could find yourself evicted

No he doesn't. I couldnt risk telling him as I have real personal problems at the moment and needed to get somewhere. I have rented from Adam a few times now so we have a good relationship. I'm sure I will be able to put a little bit aside over the coming weeks and perhaps borrow a little bit as well.

I assume that HB is backdated from the day the claim is made in the same way JSA is> Claimed HB a while back but cannot remember the process.

So gutted at the thought of being on benefits again. I really hate it!

stevelatimer

Thanks for all the advice by the way everyone!

Although it not what I wanted to hear at least I can prepare now. A few people on other forums reckoned there is a good chance I might be able to get a hardship loan while waiting on claims to come through. I think I will be okay for the first 2 weeks but will struggle after that. As long as I pay my rent I can live very cheap, especially as I do't have to pay transport to work and back.

karenx

You NEED to tell him. IT could invalidate his insurance and will mean you will be left homeless. Some insurance dont allow tenants on HB. Do you really want to risk being left without a home again?

samroo

Why do you say you won;t be on JSA for a few weeks after your job ends?

skintandscared_2

stevelatimer wrote: »

Surely logic would allow you to apply in advance if you could prove definite unemployment from a certain date!

I do get your point, but I suppose the basis behind the rules is that 4 weeks is quite a long time, and although you know the date your current employment finishes, it is not impossible that you will find a new job before then. They do have a lot of paperwork to deal with and I'd imagine setting something up, just to have to cancel it before it even starts (i.e. the person finds a job) just doubles their workload and delays everything even more.

I think in your position I would spend every spare second I have just trying to get another job secured. Wish you the very best of luck.