Husband Left - Please Help

Housing_Benefit_Officer

harrys_dad wrote: »

I very much doubt you will get HB if you are renting from a family member, but that does not stop you asking. You should still apply for Council tax Benefit and are certainly entitled to the 25% single adult reduction. Have you told your children's schools? Make sure you separate your finances completely from your ex, no money being paid into joint accounts etc. If you have joint accounts then maybe you should consider removing the money before he does.

Do you have any joint debts? Will need to find a way forward if you do. Also, read the meters and inform the utility companies. If there is a tenancy agreement is your husband on it too? If so it needs sorting.

Rubbish - of course she can claim HB if she is renting from her Mother. The Local Authority will ask questions regarding if it is a commercial tenancy or if it is contrived.

There is no such thing as Council Tax Benefit - that was scrapped on the 1st April 2013. She should apply for whatever the local Council Tax Support scheme her Local Authority has. Only about a fifth of Local Authorities give 100% benefit to working age claimants anymore.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

kirstle99 wrote: »

Thanks for that RAS. I've been told I can't apply for anything like housing benefit etc until they have updated my tax credits claim is this right?

Also, I rent privately from my mum. Does she need to do anything if i'm going to make a claim, register as a landlord anywhere etc?

Apply straight away. The claim will be processed on your current financial circumstances. If tax credits are awarded at a later date then that income will be taken into account once it is awarded. Any delay means loss of benefit as the claim will then only start from the following Monday after receipt.