Housing benefit, should i include my housemates in application form?

denispearl

Hi there. Being first time here so hello to everyone.

I would really appreciate your advice.

The situation is following:

I have lost my job (employment ended).

Living in shared house in Wimbledon. Thinking about housing benefit to cover my rent whilst looking for the job, no any other benefits needed. So ive looked on application today and got few questions:

- Part 3 of the form asked to provide names of people i am living with. Not really clear whether i have to provide the names of my house mates if we are living quite independently and i think getting details on how much they earn etc would be a bit complicated.
From other side We all have separate tenancy agreements so i have agreement on my single room and no one else involved.

Please advice whether there is any chance not to bother my house mates. Also i would like to avoid my landlord to know that I claiming benefit hence im not sure on her reaction, as she might find me not trustworthy somehow.

Please advice on the situation. It is much appreciated from my side...

nannytone_2

dont include housemates.

the term 'living with' means as one household.

as you all have your own tenancies, you each have your own household, even if its withing the same properti
y

denispearl

nannytone wrote: »

dont include housemates.

the term 'living with' means as one household.

as you all have your own tenancies, you each have your own household, even if its withing the same property
y

This is perfect answer, thank you very much

Janep

Be very careful, I live with a housemate, and whereas I don't claim housing benefit, I claim (or did claim) tax credits, they have recently been stopped, as the HMRC seem to think we are financially tied, due to the payment of a joint household bill account.

denispearl

Janep wrote: »

Be very careful, I live with a housemate, and whereas I don't claim housing benefit, I claim (or did claim) tax credits, they have recently been stopped, as the HMRC seem to think we are financially tied, due to the payment of a joint household bill account.

well. I think HRMC should be aware that many people living together and paying rent separatly but all bills are covered from everyones rent
in my case i just pay all included and somebody else sorting that out,
hope it would be ok

trevormax

nannytone is correct. That question refers to non-dependants living with you as part of your household such as children over 16 but not in full time education (so you don't get child benefit for them) for example.

Your house mates can be included elsewhere when you answer questions about your rent or in the "Other Information" section.