Housing Benefit

I have two single mum came in today both asked me the same questions, how can they claim housing benefit?

Actually, there is no such answer for "How to claim". I always advise people to claim for any benefits they think they might entitle for. And then just see if their application would be approved.

Having said that, housing benefit application form is very thick. Some councils even use the same form for applying the council tax benefit. It is a nightmare for many people if they are very bad on filling forms.

Here is some tips for applying housing benefit:

1. Many people thinks they can only get housing benefit if they only live in a council flat. NO, as far as you are a tenant, you can claim. However, if you are a private tenant, then Local Housing Allowance will be applied.

If you are living in a council flat or housing association property, your rent will likely 100% covered by the housing benefit.

2. If you have more than 16k in saving or capital, then save you time and council workers' time. Because you are not entitled to anything. The capital limit is 16k, but salary does not count. They are using a complex formula to assess your housing benefit amount.

If you are in low income with limited saving, starting phoning your council now to apply for the housing benefit, and council tax benefit.