Housing Benefit

[singlemom]

First of all apologies if I have posted in the wrong department!

My question is I am currently on housing benefit. I have a full time pressurized job which I am having difficulty handling. I started off in admin but was transferred to outbound sales when my position was made redundant. Quite a few of my colleagues have left quite recently (a total of 5) because they could not handle the pace nor the role. I want to try and find another job. However, if I cannot match my current salary will I still get paid Housing Benefit?
I am currently on £22k a year. I have seen a job which I love the sound of for £18.5k a year Would it look strange to the housing benefit department if I took on a lower paid job?
I have been on antidepressants for the last ten years. I successfully managed to come off them in February. So I have had a history of anxiety and depression.

[enaid]

Re: Housing Benefit

I doubt they could hold it against you if you are genuinely changing jobs because of your health. I would ring your local welfare rights office they will be able to give you a positive answer either way and advise you what you may need as proof if indeed proof is asked for.
Good Luck and well done for getting off the tablets especially after so long you should be proud of yourself.
Enaid x

[Kati]

Re: Housing Benefit

Hi [MENTION=37177]singlemom[/MENTION]

I echo enaid in saying "well done"!! I know how hard it can be to effectively manage depression, and you have done brilliantly!!

I think you might find this link (https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/eligibility) useful in answering your question on Housing Benefit - although you might find your local CAB is a good source of knowledge too.

Kati x

[singlemom]

Re: Housing Benefit

Thanks Kati!

[Johnboy007]

Re: Housing Benefit

A doctors letter would be all that you need as proof of ill health.
But this has nothing to do with the benefit office concerned.
As for changing jobs, It really has nothing to do with the housing benefit office.
They are there to primarily see if you qualify for benefits, and to work out your entitlement.
All you need to do, is notify them of your changes in circumstances. (a lower income from (date))
Just send a wage slip or other proof of income.
Likewise, if you get a higher paid job, the same thing applies.
All you are obliged to do by law, is notify the housing benefit office of any change to your circumstances.
Changing jobs is your own business..........
JB

[STATUTE_BARRED]

Re: Housing Benefit

agree changing jobs is entirely up to you

however if you are sucessfull in getting the new job the council make take some time to reassess the new award for housing benift as your income has dropped.

[Kati]

Re: Housing Benefit

agree changing jobs is entirely up to you

however if you are sucessfull in getting the new job the council make take some time to reassess the new award for housing benift as your income has dropped.

not necessarily .... it shouldn't take any longer than it usually does to re-assess a HB claim due to a change in circumstances, and a drop in income is nothing that will make it more difficult. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

Kati x

[singlemom]

Re: Housing Benefit

I doubt they could hold it against you if you are genuinely changing jobs because of your health. I would ring your local welfare rights office they will be able to give you a positive answer either way and advise you what you may need as proof if indeed proof is asked for.
Good Luck and well done for getting off the tablets especially after so long you should be proud of yourself.
Enaid x

Thank you and thank you everyone for your responses!