We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Housing benefit - looking for apprenticeship

stella245
stella245 Posts: 3 Newbie
in House buying, renting & selling
I'm currently a student at university but I am seriously considering dropping out and looking for an apprenticeship instead. The ones I'm looking at are around £200 weekly wage. Ideally I want to do an apprenticeship in the city I currently live in (leeds) not my hometown so I will need housing benefit to cover my rent once I move out of my student halls. Does anyone know how difficult it is to find a room to rent in this situation (unemployed ,single,on housing benefit). Is it a financially bad idea to be an apprentice whilst living on benefits? I dont mind getting a part time job at the weekend.

Comments

  • kinger101
    kinger101 Posts: 6,787 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    See here

    http://www.entitledto.co.uk/
    "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius
  • datlex
    datlex Posts: 2,252 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    How old are you? You will only get enough housing benefit to cover a bed sit / room share if you are single under 35.https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/eligibility. Also if you earn 200 pw doubtful you will qualify. If you are over 25 you could get working tax credit
    Paid off the last of my unsecured debts in 2016. Then saved up and bought a property. Current aim is to pay off my mortgage as early as possible. Currently over paying every month. Mortgage due to be paid off in 2036 hoping to get it paid off much earlier. Set up my own bespoke spreadsheet to manage my money.
  • stella245
    stella245 Posts: 3 Newbie
    I'm 20. I'm thinking of renting a room in a house with tenants already. Why don't you think I will qualify? because of the wage?
  • kinger101
    kinger101 Posts: 6,787 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    stella245 wrote: »
    I'm 20. I'm thinking of renting a room in a house with tenants already. Why don't you think I will qualify? because of the wage?

    Well yes. You'll be earning sufficient to pay for your own housing. You won't live like royalty on £200 a week, but you don't need the taxpayer to support you.
    "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius
  • stella245
    stella245 Posts: 3 Newbie
    What if I am accepted onto an apprenticeship with a lower wage eg £115 a week. Would I need benefits to help me live (any sort of benefits) or would I be able to live ok on that amount of money?
  • kinger101
    kinger101 Posts: 6,787 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    stella245 wrote: »
    What if I am accepted onto an apprenticeship with a lower wage eg £115 a week. Would I need benefits to help me live (any sort of benefits) or would I be able to live ok on that amount of money?

    I posted a link which will calculate benefit entitlements. Use it!
    "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture