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Zero Hour Contract | Housing Benefit

Hi All, just seeking some advice on behalf of my girlfriend..

She has recently taken on a zero hour contract job as a cleaner, she was previously(still is on?) job seekers allowance, however there is absolutely no guarantee on how many hours she will get a week/month..

How does she go about keeping her flat? as she is on housing benefit so it gets paid for her at the moment, what happens if she does not work enough hours to be able to afford the rent on the place?

She went to the job centre the other day and they said that there is nothing that they are able to do for her if she works more than 16 hours a week or something..

Surely there has to be something in place? she'd have it easier not working and having the flat for free and claiming JSA, rather than being punished for wanting to work and not being able to afford her place?

Comments

  • Bollotom
    Bollotom Posts: 957 Forumite
    500 Posts
    She would be able to get HB depending on her income. She should go to the Housing Department and find out for definite. :cool:
  • Indie_Kid
    Indie_Kid Posts: 23,100 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Bollotom wrote: »
    She would be able to get HB depending on her income. She should go to the Housing Department and find out for definite. :cool:

    Yes. It's possible to work more than 16 hours a week and claim housing benefit. Hours worked don't matter.
    Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
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  • busy_mom_2
    busy_mom_2 Posts: 1,391 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    She can also continue to seek alternative work, see it as a stepping stone to better employment. I see it there is a today job but still look for a forever job.
  • We normally ask for wage slips every 5 weeks and recalculate using revised averages.
    These are my own views and you should seek advice from your local Benefits Department or CAB.
  • We normally ask for wage slips every 5 weeks and recalculate using revised averages.

    Where would she go to find out further information?
  • Andy241 wrote: »
    Where would she go to find out further information?

    Speak to your local Housing Benefit Department and find out what their procedures are - I would just keep sending in wage slips every 5 weeks with a covering letter explaining on zero hour contract and wages fluctuate every week.
    These are my own views and you should seek advice from your local Benefits Department or CAB.
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