Housing Benefit & Self Employment - URGENT x

richsafe

Hello all

I've been self-employed for last 15 years and although a single parent earning a mere 8 - 10k a year I've managed without benefits but do get working and child tax credits (I work in the Arts ... say no more)

This year has been particularly difficult and I'm now needing to apply for housing benefit (hopefully temporarily)

I'm sitting here in tears because the form insists on accounts prepared by an accountant. My income is soooo low I've always done my own accounts (probably to the detriment of my finances) Ive done some research about this and it appears that if you don't have these accounts prepared it's a nightmare to get housing benefit.

Can anyone advise? I'm at my wits end. (situation even more complicated to fill out re forms as I'm in shared ownership house part rent and part mortgage)

with thanks

tomtontom

You are aware that tax credits are benefits? Is it time to give up the self employment and get a proper/ more reliable job? It's a very long time to be on such a low income.

With regard to your accounts, a profit and loss account is usually sufficient, you shouldn't need an accountant to do this.

Keep in mind that you can only claim for the rent element of your housing costs.

Darksparkle

Seems strange, most things I've read don't mention the need for an accountant.

What exactly does the form say?

richsafe

'proper job' hilarious! I see my work helping disadvantaged children, young people and communities as a proper job. But thanks for the advice x

richsafe

My housing benefit form states that I need accounts prepared by an accountant - 'We will need to see copies of your latest accounts as prepared by your accountant'

Darksparkle

richsafe wrote: »

My housing benefit form states that I need accounts prepared by an accountant - 'We will need to see copies of your latest accounts as prepared by your accountant'

So it doesn't say it needs to be an accountant?

I would just submit what you do have. Maybe your council has just made an assumption that most accounts will be prepared by an accountant?

What council is it?

Eg of one, Cornwall's form says the same but on their website it says "An audited set of your latest accounts
Or, if these are not available:

A completed self employed earnings form, plus evidence of income and expenditure, for example receipts"

richsafe

Good point ..... It's Cornwall County Council (where there is a shortage of 'proper jobs' Mr Tomtontom!) Unfortunately I've looked at various forums discussing this issue and it appears that tax returns/assessments etc aren't accepted? I'll give it a go I guess, thank you.

richsafe

'proper job' hilarious! I see my work helping disadvantaged children, young people and communities as a proper job. But thanks for the advice x

Darksparkle

richsafe wrote: »

Good point ..... It's Cornwall County Council (where there is a shortage of 'proper jobs' Mr Tomtontom!) Unfortunately I've looked at various forums discussing this issue and it appears that tax returns/assessments etc aren't accepted? I'll give it a go I guess, thank you.

Jinx! I just edited my post about Cornwall after a quick google search.

dippy3103

They will need proof of any expenses as well- how do you usually keep your records?
Have you kept copies of your self assessment tax returns? Most councils accept these

richsafe

apparently they don't accept tax returns? I use Excel to do all my accounts but when I got advice on Mumsnet several people had very bad experiences - being asked to print out over 500 Paypal receipts etc (there were worst stories) I've never asked for housing benefit before and not sure I can cope with being pulled over hot coals with it all.