Confused about what im entitled to

katseyes

Hi there, this is my first post i shall try to keep it brief. I am a 40 year old female single parent with a 14 year old daughter, i currently receive child benefit, child tax credit and job seekers allowance, i have been offered a job but it is only 14 hours a week but i have been told that there is guaranteed over time each week. Myself and my daughter are currently living at my parents house but we have found a private house to rent but it is 3 bedroom, my question is what benefits would i be entitled to and would housing benefit help me with housing costs even tho it is a 3 bed property? i have a son who is 20 and who will be staying with me from time to time this is why i have decided to rent a 3 bed. Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer me

pmlindyloo

You can put your details into the benefit calculator here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check

If you can work 16 hours a week you would also be eligible for working tax credits as a single parent.

You would only be eligible for the two bed rate of local housing allowance if your son was not resident there. You can rent a 3 bed place - that is your decision.

When you say your son would be staying from time to time - could you elaborate? If he is resident somewhere else and is a visitor that is fine. Otherwise you may be liable for a non dependent deduction to housing benefit/council tax reduction and will lose your single person's council tax discount.