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?
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?
Non-dependants are any people over 18 who live with you. Under this heading we will list people over 18, their gross income and the deduction made because they live in your home. The government sets the amounts for the deduction. There are certain cases in which we will not make a deduction.
Non-dependant deductions from Housing Benefit in 2012/2013
Aged under 18 years - Nil
Aged 25 or over and in receipt of Income Support, JSA (income based) or ESA (IR) Main Phase - £11.45
Aged 18 or over and:
- Gross income under £124 or not in remunerative work - £11.45
- Gross income £124-£182.99 in remunerative work - £26.25
- Gross income £183-£237.99 in remunerative work - £36.10
- Gross income £238-£315.99 in remunerative work - £59.09
- Gross income £316-£393.99 in remunerative work - £67.25
- Gross income £394 or more, in remunerative work - £73.85
Non-dependant deductions from Council Tax Benefit in 2011/2012
Aged under 18 years - Nil
Over 18 years:
- In receipt of state Pension Credit Income Support, ESA (IR) or JSA (income based) - Nil
- Gross income under £183, or not in remunerative work - £3.30
- Gross income £183-£315.99 in remunerative work - £6.55
- Gross income £316-£393.99 in remunerative work - £8.25
- Gross income £394 or more, in remunerative work - £9.90
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?
