benefit help

huda_2

whats the difference between Housing Benefit and LHA ? And is one entitled to both or one or the other.

BigAunty

huda wrote: »

whats the difference between Housing Benefit and LHA ? And is one entitled to both or one or the other.

LHA applies to private tenants (although some current private tenants are on the old HB scheme but they will all be ported over to LHA at some point). You are a social housing tenant so this does not apply.

No, as a social housing tenant, only HB is applicable.

You can check your HB eligibility on the Turn2us online benefit calculator, or the local council website. You apply for HB and council tax discount with your local council.

Remember that your income will affect HB, therefore your husband's salary will mean that full HB is unlikely.

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=69&LGIL=0&ServiceName=Check+your+eligibility+for+Housing+Benefit+with+your+local+council

bestpud

Your income is actually still reasonable for part time work so you may not receive housing or council tax benefit - it depends where you live and how high your rent/council tax is.

I didn't realise the WTC rules are changing so soon.

The problem for you is you will be a good way through the tax year by November and the award is based on your income for the entire year, possibly taking you over the limit for WTC this year as well.

With four children, you will definitely be entitled to CTC though.

Turn2us is the best indicator.

ETA: can't one of you find a small job to top up your combined hours?

SuziQ

OP You need to contact the Child tax credit helpline and report the change in circumstances-they will then calculate your entitlement. Apply to your local authority for HB and again they will tell you whether you are entitled to that or council tax benefit, although as bestpud said, you may not get some things as your income is not deemed 'that' low.