Self-Employed Housing Benefit Advice

Hi,

I'm really in need of some advice here. Hopefully someone can offer it.

I'm self-employed - have been for a while. Last year my earnings took a nose-dive and I've ended up only earning about £6000 so far this financial year.

I haven't been able to pay rent last month. So I (head held low) went to collect a form for housing benefit. I'm truly hoping that I will only need to claim it for a few months as I have work coming in, but everything in the very near future is poorly paid.

I share the flat with my girlfriend who has a decent, steady, job.

I was mortified to see that I had to enter her earnings (as my partner?) as part of the form. We very much keep our finances separate and she can't pay my rent. We don't have any children etc.

Will I be able to claim any HB/ CT benefit?

Feel like I'm trapped in a hole on this.

Thanks.