housing benefit and part time work

sarahsarah

Hi I am a single mum with 2 children and I claimed job seekers from when i moved back to home town until middle January when I started work part time. I now work 22.5 hours a week at minimum wage. I took the January wage slip to council and have got to take the next one in next week when I get it. I have received a payment today which looks like it is 1 weeks housing benefit. I'm now confused about whether I will still get housing benefit or not. Does anyone know where I can find a table saying how part time earnings will effect my eligibility? or do they keep that secret/each council differs? Thanks.

sarahsarah

Or do you think they have just kind of delayed it until they see my next pay slip?

Podge52

The hours you work are irrelevant, it's the amount that you earn that is used to calculate what you are entitled to.

Simply put, there will be a base figure that you need to live on, if your rent take you below this figure then housing benefit makes it up.

We have a few more knowledgeable people on here who I'm sure will be along to provide more detailed advice.

Caz3121

it is not just your wages, they will also include your child and working tax credits as income, have you provided an updated tax credits figure to housing benefit (I assume it will have increased as you are now working)

sarahsarah

Yes I took my tax credit letter in at the same time as my wage slip. I just kinda wish they would send emails instead of letters as I'll probably get a letter in about 2 weeks explaining what's happening. I will give them a ring later and ask.

sarahsarah

I don't mind so much if I don't get it or don't get as much as I was getting obviously. I just need to know what's happening really.

BigAunty

Your local council will publish how many bedrooms you are entitled to, according to your household type, and the maximum LHA you would be get. Then enter your details into the Turn2us online benefit calculator which will take into account your income and advise you of your actual entitlement.

fluffymovie

You should have received notification letters detailing your award.

When you switched, was your claim suspended? This could be a catch up payment perhaps?