Benefits?

[bubbly2000]

Not sure what section this should be in. My 20 yr old niece lives 200 mile away from her family in a flat she shares with a friend. she is at college 3 full days a week and works 3 days, however her employer (a large supermarket chain) are cutting staff hours and as she is on a flexi contract she can't object. She is looking for other work, however, as from next month she won't be earning enough to cover her bills. Does anyone know if she is entitled to any help until she finds more hours. My sister sends her money to help when she can. She has asked at the job centre but they were a bit vague. Any help is appreciated.

[EDDIE51]

As long as she works at least16 hours a week she should get 'working tax credit'

[shoota]

Most colleges have access to some funds for situations like this or will be able to advise her on what to do.
She should have a word with the student welfare department asap.

[EDDIE51]

I assume she pays rent and council tax? she should get housing benefit and council tax benefit, this is claimed from the local council not the DWP.
As shoota says get her to contact the student welfare office at her collage this is exactly the sort of thing they are trained to sort out, they will know exactly what she is entitled to.

[bubbly2000]

Eddie51, they have cut her hrs to 10 per week, Thanks, I will relay the info about student welfare and applying for housing and council tax benefit. It should tide her over till she finds more work. Thanks again

[SMP]

You cannot get working tax credits under the age of 25 unless you have a child. If you are 25 or over you have to work 30+ hours a week to claim it.

[bubbly2000]

Yes Mark, we have found out that the only thing she might get help with is coiuncil Tax. She can't get housing benefit as she is a full time student, the only way she can clain is if she is a single mother or unemployed but not studying. Oh well, amily will have a whip round and help. It's annoying though, as she is clearly trying to do the right thing

[bednobs]

If she is a full time student she won't be paying council tax will she?

[Prudie]

Is she not eligible for the normal student loan?

[bubbly2000]

she didn't realise about the council tax so she's been paying the full amount and as it's college not uni she's not eligible for student loans.

[Kassee]

Citizens Advice may be able to offer some advice. Some CABs are better than others, so try at a few different venues.