Housing Benefit - calculator shows i'm entitled but...

gabby71

I applied about 6 months ago and had a letter back to say I was not entitled!!
Just tried the calc again, using the calc on my own council website, put in my LHA and again it shows i'm entitled - albeit just £13 per week
every little helps at the moment! I work full time and am a single parent of 1.
Can I insist that they look at my circumstances again? are these calc's ususally accurate?

thanks

Gab.x

karenx

Apply again. Are your circumstances the same? If so and you have your letter still saying you arent entitled and your accepted now, try ask them to backdate

gabby71

hiya, yes my circumstances are the same - only difference is that I have started paying into a pension scheme...I'm going to call the council on Monday to find out about re-applying.
thanks

Gab.x

jojo_2012_2

I think it could be then pension that makes the difference. Definitely try again but I doubt they'll backdate it if the pensions a new thing.

Punctual_Monkey

Do you have your entitlement letter to hand? It should give you a calculation of how it's all been worked out. You may be able to see if the figures are similar to what you have worked out.

skintandscared_2

But should the payments to a pension plan be taken into account? It's like putting your own money into a savings account then saying you don't have enough to pay the bills, surely? When I entered into a DMP I was told I had to stop making payments to my pension fund, and put that money towards my debts instead. What's to stop everyone putting 50% of their salary into a pension fund, thereby reducing their disposable income to a level whereby they become entitled to benefits?!

Punctual_Monkey

50% of the pension would be deducted from earnings, not the full amount.

skintandscared_2

Punctual_Monkey wrote: »

50% of the pension would be deducted from earnings, not the full amount.

Sorry, I'm probably being thick but I have no idea what that means...?

Punctual_Monkey

Sorry, when HB is calculated they take the gross figure and minus off tax and NI contributions. If there is a pension as well, only half the pension contribution is deducted. Any other contributions for Union etc. are not deducted.

Punctual_Monkey

Gross figure from a payslip...sorry not making this clear at all and hard to edit on my phone!

Oneday77

Your NI'able earnings dictate what you can get benefits wise. So paying into a pension typically reduces this figure down. It can go both ways, reduce your pay to clim extra benefits. However come SMP/SPP time things like pensions and child care voucher schemes can make you ineligible.