Housing benefit help!

[Jennaxo]

Just wondering if anyone has claimed this, need a bit of advice. I've been offered a flat and need to put in a claim for housing benefit. I need to get some sort of receipt for a claim before Friday because this is when I'm supposed to be getting the keys and they won't give them to me before I get one, only problem is it says you've got to send off or take to a benefits office a whole load of documents, I've got one day off this week being thurs, so I was planning on going down to the local council then. Can I get a receipt to say I've put the claim in or does it have to be processed first? My family's never claimed benefits so I'm a bit new to all of this and a bit worried. I don't want to ring them up and sound like a prat but they won't be open until tues anyway and I'm at work till 7 most days. Most unconvenient time in the dead of summer for me! Just need a bit of advice, searched google for all sorts but no help and I'm getting myself into a bit of a stress. I can afford it atm without the benefit but come winter I will be screwed as my hours fluctuate throughout the year, summer being my peak. Any response would be helpful!

 

[suzib76]

Firstly I would just calm and phone them Tuesday to find out what to do. However, you say you can afford it now but notin winter, the chances are you won't be entitled to housing benefit until then

 

[blake12336]

You won't be entitled until you need it/qualify, however, everytime that I've been to my housing benefit office they have taken down notes of the meeting and given me a copy on a receipt like paper. Would that help? If they write down that you will be getting housing benefit around winter?

 

[Jennaxo]

Well when I say I can afford it, I mean as in I could literally scrape by. I've done the online calculator and it says I'd be entitled to £70 a week. Yes that would help, I literally just need something to give to the housing people. Thanks for your responses

 

[KrissyC]

Put your claim in as soon as you can. They will backdate up to the date they received your claim. They should give you a few weeks.to get the evidence together. A few of my tenants have dine this. Just bare in mi.d that when your circumstances change your HB will be suspended and as it is paid 4 weekly in arrears you may end up 8.weeks behind before it restarts. Ask them for a receipt when you give in your application and any evidence.for your records also.keep a.copy as this stuff.sometimes magically disappears in the offices.