Self-Employed Housing Benefit Advice

SimMil

Hi,

I'm really in need of some advice here. Hopefully someone can offer it.

I'm self-employed - have been for a while. Last year my earnings took a nose-dive and I've ended up only earning about £6000 so far this financial year.

I haven't been able to pay rent last month. So I (head held low) went to collect a form for housing benefit. I'm truly hoping that I will only need to claim it for a few months as I have work coming in, but everything in the very near future is poorly paid.

I share the flat with my girlfriend who has a decent, steady, job.

I was mortified to see that I had to enter her earnings (as my partner?) as part of the form. We very much keep our finances separate and she can't pay my rent. We don't have any children etc.

Will I be able to claim any HB/ CT benefit?

Feel like I'm trapped in a hole on this.

Thanks.

fluffymovie

You will need to claim as a couple if you require HB I'm afrsid

SimMil

Does her income count against my claim then?

HB58

SimMil wrote: »

Does her income count against my claim then?

Her income is taken into account, yes.

SimMil

Thanks for the info. I'm quite shocked that it works like that. I thought it would only count if we were married. That makes me even more sick with worry.

SimMil

Sorry. One more question... She earns about 35k. Will that completely discount my claim? Should I not bother filling out the forms?

FRESTER

If she earns 35k I would save yourself some time and pop the forms in the bin !

Caz3121

SimMil wrote: »

We very much keep our finances separate and she can't pay my rent.

If the situation was reversed and she hit hardship and you were earning £35k, would you cover her share of the rent for a few months whilst things picked up?

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Housing benefit is a means tested benefit which means that all household income is taken into account. It matters not what your marital status is.

SimMil

OK. Thanks for the information everyone.

BigAunty

SimMil wrote: »

...
I share the flat with my girlfriend who has a decent, steady, job.

I was mortified to see that I had to enter her earnings (as my partner?) as part of the form. We very much keep our finances separate and she can't pay my rent. We don't have any children etc.

...

Since the inception of the welfare state, there is an expectation built into benefit regulations that partners should assist and support each other, it's embedded.

Your personal financial arrangements are irrelevent to your benefit claims.

If you are joint tenants, then it's not 'your rent' as there is a joint and several liability which means any/either tenant should pay. Again, you may have a personal agreement on the share of rent each but contractually, to the landlord, if you are joint tenants then there is no such thing as a share of rent - all tenants are responsible for any arrears.

The Shelter website will give more info on your housing rights and responsibilities (and hers) according to the tenancy type.