Housing benefit when self employed

Throwaway001uk

Hey folks

Just wanting some advice regarding housing benefit when self employed.

I do sporadic work on my self employment business which means I can sometimes go months without working. Unfortunately my end of year tax returns get done and they average out my income over the whole year so it appears I am earning each and every month when this isn't the case.

Is there a way to claim.housing benefit whilst doing this and do not just say to me to save money for the months when I'm not working for rent as that doesn't help as I don't know how many months I can be unemployed for.

Thanks

pmlindyloo

It may be worth speaking to your council about this.

I have found this link:

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits-financial-help/benefits-advice-if-youre-self-employed

which suggests that if you have a substantial change in your self employment income then you can notify them. Your council will be able to advise you whether they can assess you during a different period of time especially if you have long periods of no income.

It may depend on how much your yearly income is. Are you receiving part HB or full HB? They may say it is a budgeting issue especially if you have a good income spread over the year.

I must admit that trying to budget in these circumstances must be very difficult. Is it a viable business or do you need to consider becoming an employee with a regular income?

Are you claiming working tax credits? When you have a good month is it possible to pay rent in advance or is this not an option?

Difficult to comment further without knowing the figures, sorry.