Housing benefit rules

[Dinger2]

A nearby sponger claims he gets his rent paid by the DWP as he only works 17 hrs a week at a local supermarket, Does anyone out there know the real truth? (of course no savings !)

[Buenchico]

Working over 16 hours per week makes the guy ineligible for Job Seeker's Allowance but Housing Benefit (or Local Housing Allowance which has replaced HB for new claimants) is based upon income and capital, not upon hours worked. See here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_i ncome/DG_10018926

Chris

[Charisse]

If you believe that anyone is claiming benefits that they are not entitled to. Sponging! There are contact details to report them on the same website shown above.

That goes for tax credit spongers too.

[Mr Veritas]

Rent/Council Tax Benefit is payable by the local council,NOT by the DWP.

[phizzy]

I don't know what benefits are affected by number of hours worked, but if it does affect some, and if the firms are informed by whichever benefit providers, then why don't all the firms that employ 'part timers' make them work one hour above the limit, might shift a few.