Moving out when on a zero hours contract

epheremal

I work on a zero hours contract for an agency for the NHS. I'm looking to move out but I'm a bit worried about what will happen if I don't get any work. That hasn't happened so far but it's always a possibility.

I work 37.5 hours a week so full time, I'm looking for somewhere between £400 - £550 pm. I don't know what my rights would be to claiming housing benefits and job seekers if I only got 20 hours work a week.

I have a £1000 to pay off on a loan I took out for a car too.

duchy

Perhaps it would be prudent to clear your loan and save an emergency or buffer fund to cover a couple of month's rent in case the worst happens before moving out ?

If you are living at home your expenses are probably lower than living elsewhere so it'd be the best time to set up your back up savings.

HappyMJ

You can claim housing benefit even if you work full time. There's no need to be on JSA to get housing benefit.

You aren't entitled to JSA if you work 16 hours or more per week.

getmore4less

Wait two month and pay off the debt.

Sharon87

Or claim Universal Credit if it's available in your area. It's replacing JSA and Housing Benefit. The pay is automatically adjusted based on how much you earn a month, so you'll never be worse off not working than working part time. However check the housing benefit cap in your area, this will tell you if your full rent will be paid or whether you'll get the maximum you can claim.

As for references for your new landlord, no need to tell them what type of contract you're on, just provide your payslips for the last few months.

I would suggest when you know you'll be getting very few hours, claim Universal Credit - you won't receive any benefit for the first 7 days of a claim.

Darksparkle

What age are you?

What do you earn for the 37.5hrs?