How early can I apply for housing benefit?

[shirlls]

I live in Scotland and had twins 7 months ago. I also have a boy of nearly 3 and as a result of nursery costs being so high and no other child care options I am not returning to work. OH earns a salary of £15,000pa so it will be a struggle but hopefully we can manage.

I get tax credits and child benefit, and we live in a private rented flat so I am hoping we are eligible for some housing benefit for the time I am not going to be working (I plan to get a job when the kids a re a little older). I have done the online calculators and their results say I should be eligible for some help with housing benefit.

I get my last payment from my work in a fortnight (SMP & holiday pay I am owed), can anyone tell me how early can I apply, and how long it takes to give a decision?

Thanks in advance

 

[Snow Owl]

I would ring them now and explain the situation.

It probably varies council to council but it doesn't take more than a few weeks and they do back pay.

Remember when you do your tax credit renewal to deduct £100 a week from your SMP as the first £100 doesn't count, but they won't openly offer this info up!