Hello, hoping for some advice... I thought I'd understood how this all works but now a bit confused!
I am currently claiming ESA assessment phase rate (ie. same amount as JSA). I also have put in a claim for housing benefit. I privately rent a 2-bed flat, and sublet (on a lodger's agreement) the spare room for roughly half rent + half council tax.
I previously lived in this flat alone as was entitled to more housing benefit when iller/getting DLA, there are tons of 2-beds here but only occasional and more expensive 1-beds... now I'm only entitled to the single room rate as I'm under 35.
The reason I hae a lodger and not a joint tenancy are mainly to do with complications (and potential fees!!) of having to chop and change tenancies every few months (current lodger was friend of a friend needing somewhere for a few months, next one lined up might be moving abroad next year...) especially considering they might not move in on precisely the day I pay the rent. Other reasons are: I need some choice over who I live with as I have mental health issues and need my home to feel 'safe', and also worried that joint tenancy means they count as in my household as a non-dependent and are expected to keep me!
I was under the impression that they disregarded the first £20/week of his rent, then subtracted the remainder from the total rent on the flat, then gave me housing benefit for the remaining figure (which is under SRR). Then the £20/week would be deducted from my ESA.
Am I right, as I have had to contact HB and ESA and there seems to be some confusion.
Also I am unsure about council tax benefit (I have to pay 20% regardless in this area). My lodger's rent technically covers it, although if its being counted as 'rent' (which it is, as he gets HB) and only my name is on the bill, would I get the maximum CTB or would they assume he is giving me half?
To add to the confusion I am hoping to become self-employed in the next two weeks... so would rather have this sorted by then :eek:
Thanks for any help/advice! :)
I am currently claiming ESA assessment phase rate (ie. same amount as JSA). I also have put in a claim for housing benefit. I privately rent a 2-bed flat, and sublet (on a lodger's agreement) the spare room for roughly half rent + half council tax.
I previously lived in this flat alone as was entitled to more housing benefit when iller/getting DLA, there are tons of 2-beds here but only occasional and more expensive 1-beds... now I'm only entitled to the single room rate as I'm under 35.
The reason I hae a lodger and not a joint tenancy are mainly to do with complications (and potential fees!!) of having to chop and change tenancies every few months (current lodger was friend of a friend needing somewhere for a few months, next one lined up might be moving abroad next year...) especially considering they might not move in on precisely the day I pay the rent. Other reasons are: I need some choice over who I live with as I have mental health issues and need my home to feel 'safe', and also worried that joint tenancy means they count as in my household as a non-dependent and are expected to keep me!
I was under the impression that they disregarded the first £20/week of his rent, then subtracted the remainder from the total rent on the flat, then gave me housing benefit for the remaining figure (which is under SRR). Then the £20/week would be deducted from my ESA.
Am I right, as I have had to contact HB and ESA and there seems to be some confusion.
Also I am unsure about council tax benefit (I have to pay 20% regardless in this area). My lodger's rent technically covers it, although if its being counted as 'rent' (which it is, as he gets HB) and only my name is on the bill, would I get the maximum CTB or would they assume he is giving me half?
To add to the confusion I am hoping to become self-employed in the next two weeks... so would rather have this sorted by then :eek:
Thanks for any help/advice! :)