Housing benefit & Married Students

Flask_of_tea_in_the_car

There is lots of info out there saying that Full Time students cannot get housing benefit unless they meet certain criteria (which we do not) but that it is possible for a spouse to claim for the student.

Our situation would be wife unemployed looking after young children (2 under 5) and husband full time student...

Our only income would be student loans/bursary and tax credits.

Has anyone successfully claimed Housing Benefit in this situation?

I asked the council on Friday but they just said students could claim HB which I now know is not true so need to phone up Monday and try and find someone who knows there stuff!

Thanks in advance!

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Flask_of_tea_in_the_car wrote: »

There is lots of info out there saying that Full Time students cannot get housing benefit unless they meet certain criteria (which we do not) but that it is possible for a spouse to claim for the student.

Our situation would be wife unemployed looking after young children (2 under 5) and husband full time student...

Our only income would be student loans/bursary and tax credits.

Has anyone successfully claimed Housing Benefit in this situation?

I asked the council on Friday but they just said students could claim HB which I now know is not true so need to phone up Monday and try and find someone who knows there stuff!

Thanks in advance!

Students with children can.

This should help in your telephone call - 2.30 onwards https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/236969/hbgm-c2-student-claims.pdf

Flask_of_tea_in_the_car

Hi - thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately we do not comply under that section as the children part only counts if you are both students...

I think we have a good chance of claiming under 2.6 (non-student claiming on behalf of couple) but I just wanted it confirmed that Non-student can claim with just income from tax credits and child benefit (as currently a stay at home Mum and not working or on JSA etc...).
Thanks!

nannytone_2

Flask_of_tea_in_the_car wrote: »

Hi - thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately we do not comply under that section as the children part only counts if you are both students...

I think we have a good chance of claiming under 2.6 (non-student claiming on behalf of couple) but I just wanted it confirmed that Non-student can claim with just income from tax credits and child benefit (as currently a stay at home Mum and not working or on JSA etc...).
Thanks!

she wouldn't be claiming with just child tax credit and child benefit though.

as you are part of the household, your student income would also be counnted

clairec79

and your entitlement to student loans is counted, not just what you have chosen to take

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Just re read your original post. Your wife can claim as the 'claimant' with you as the partner.

Flask_of_tea_in_the_car

Thanks everyone! Had it confirmed and yes non student can apply! As our income will be v.low (including loan) we should get full housing benefit.

Hope we can make this work as it could be a way for us to have a steady financial future. Fingers crossed.