I have recently started work in a fairly low paid job. Can I still apply for Housing Benefit even though I don't have the amount of payslips needed to process my claim?
Yes, you can still apply for Housing Benefit, but you should apply as soon as possible as any delay may mean a loss of benefit. You should include a note stating that you have only recently started work and will provide payslips as soon as they become available. You should also provide either your contract of employment or a letter from your employer showing how much you will be earning.
I've recently become self-employed and don't have business accounts. Can I still apply for Housing Benefit?
Benefits may be awarded if you can complete a "Self Employed Income and Expenditure" Form. You may need to provide evidence of your takings/ Income and expenses. Any benefit entitlement will be based on the calculation of income from the details you provide on this form.
If you have have only just started a new business, it is possible to use your projected or forecasted income to calculate your benefit entitlement. However, this can only be done for a short period of time.
You should maintain your business records. You may be asked to supply these details on a regular basis, until your business is established and you have been trading for a full year.
If you have any fully audited business accounts check to see if they are no older than for the previous financial year. If so, you should provide these, as soon as possible, to support your claim. If these audited accounts are older than this, please check whether these accounts are needed.
