Benefits for unemployed flat owner?

MoneyTreeMe

Hello,
Is an unemployed flat owner (own 1 bed freehold flat in Edinburgh outright) entitled to claim housing benefit to help with paying council tax and and utility bills like electric bills?

MovingForwards

MoneyTreeMe said:

Hello,
Is an unemployed flat owner (own 1 bed freehold flat in Edinburgh outright) entitled to claim housing benefit to help with paying council tax and and utility bills like electric bills?

Assuming you are living in the property and it's not one you normally rent out and don't currently have tenants:

You can claim JSA or universal credit, the latter will end any tax credits you receive.
JSA doesn't matter if you've got savings.
UC savings under £6k are fine, £6k -£16k see benefits reduced, over £16k there's no entitlement.

Council tax reduction is claimed via the council.

Utility bills are payable by you out of benefits.

It helps to keep all your questions in one thread when it relates to the same thing.

calcotti

No one can make a new claim for Housing Benefit because it has been replaced by Universal Credit.
For help with Council Tax the relevant benefit is Council Tax Reduction claimed from your local authority, rules vary between councils.
Use a benefits calculator to see if you have any benefit entitlement. 
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators