On benefits, what to count as income?

faddy

A friend is applying for a new bank account to take advantage of the switching bonus. He's on ESA (paid into his bank a/c), Housing Benefit (paid direct to his landlord) and Council Tax Benefit ("paid" as a discount on his council tax bill).

Which benefit(s) should he include as income on the application?

Dobbibill

ESA is their income - Housing benefit & Council Tax benefit would be a consequence of ESA not an income IMHO.

I am not speaking from experience so hopefully someone who is, may pop along and advise differently.

pmduk

The last time I completed a housing benefit form, they listed each benefit separately with a tick box to indicate whether you receive it.

Off topic, it's duplicating work as the local authority have access to DWP systems so they should already have this info.

stclair

You can include:

- Salary (after tax)
- Pension
- Disaility Living Allowance

You can also include:
- Court-agreed child maintenance
- Long-term town, housing, or shift allowances from your employer
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (if it's not already included in net salary)
- Under 'Other monthly income' you can include child benefit, any other state benefits and any other net (after tax) regular income you receive.