Benefits FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How long does a claim take to process?
Q: From what date will my benefit be paid?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit if I work?
Q: I am self-employed - what information do I need to provide?
Q: What is Local Housing Allowance?
Q: What LHA Category/Bedroom Rate do I qualify for?
Q: I am a joint tenant. How will this affect the LHA I receive?
Q: Why do I have an overpayment?
Q: How will the overpayment be recovered/paid back?
Q: I might be starting work - how this will affect my benefits?
You may still be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you work. If you are thinking of starting work but are unsure of how much rent and council tax you might have to pay, you can use the Benefit Calculator to give you an estimate.
If you start a new job, or increase your hours or wages and stop receiving benefits, you may continue to get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit paid at the same rate for the first four weeks of your new work arrangements.
This extra benefit is known as an 'extended payment' or Housing Benefit 'run on'.
To qualify you must have been getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Contributory Employment and Support Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit for at least 26 weeks before the change in your working circumstances.
For us to decide whether you qualify for an extended payment, you must tell us about your new job or the increase in hours or pay.
For advice about which other benefits you may qualify for while working, use the Benefits Adviser on the Directgov website.
Q: Can my landlord be paid my Housing Benefit?
Q: How do my savings or capital affect my benefit?
Q: Why has my entitlement decreased when I have had no change in income or rent?
Q: I receive Housing Benefit but cannot pay my full rent. Can I get any other help?
Q: What is a non-dependant deduction?
Q: I think you have calculated my benefit incorrectly?
Q: When will the April 2011 LHA changes affect me?
Q: What is a Shared Accommodation Rate?
