Housing benefit: when to apply & supporting evidence

Jinster2

Hello.

I'm approaching 70 and planning to (finally) stop working in the next couple of months. I'm self employed with a low income but that income (plus my pension which I'm already taking) keeps me just above the benefits threshold. I've completed some online benefits calculators to work out what I can get when I stop working, and these show I'll be entitled to some housing benefit and council tax benefit 

My question is about the housing benefit/CTB application process, and how I provide evidence of (lack of) income. Obviously I still have some self employment income at the moment so I'm worried if I apply when I stop working, my bank statements will still show evidence of income which will mean my claim is rejected. Do I have to show evidence of no income for a period of time before I can claim? I can't really afford to be without that income and any benefits for more than a few weeks as I'm still paying for my housing costs and have no savings.

Should I be applying in advance of stopping work to try to get agreeement to start the benefits payment from when I actually do stop working? If so, how do I provide the correct evidence for (future) lack of income in that application?

I've tried speaking to Citizens Advice and even to my local council housing benefit office but they didn't seem to know the answer!

I hope that makes sense and appreciate any advice!

marcia_

 There is no period of time. When you stop working you apply, you state the last income you received and if you have to provide bank statements you can explain that transactions relate to work done a week ago etc