FAQs - HELP
What do I need to qualify for help from HELP?
You need to be either a Westminster Housing Options Service (HOS) client – this means that you’ve been provided with temporary accommodation. Or you are at risk of homelessness and registered with HOS, to qualify for assistance from the HELP project.
Am I better off working or staying on benefits?
You are always better off working. Work is good for your emotional well being and confidence. It gives you a purpose, structure in your daily routine. If you are working, you will be setting a good example to your children and they will grow up with their own career aspirations and also wanting to work to achieve them.
How much better off you could be with support from HELP?
Weekly income before HELP Project:
|
Rent |
£520 (Full Housing Benefit) |
|
Income Support |
£65 |
|
Child Benefit |
£33.70 |
|
Child Tax Credits |
£111.65 |
|
Total net income |
£210.35 |
Weekly income after HELP Project:
|
Rent |
£323 Housing Benefit + £118 DHP* for first 6 months |
|
Income Support |
£0 |
|
Wages |
£252 |
|
Working Tax Credits |
£78.05 |
|
Child Benefit |
£33.70 |
|
Child Tax Credits |
£111.65 |
|
Total net income |
£475.40 |
These figures show net income are approximate. This example is of a lone parent working 25 hours per week, earning £12 per hour, whose rent is £520 per week in temporary accommodation. Data produced April 2011.
* Discretionary Housing Payment
Can I still claim Housing Benefit if I am working?
You can get Housing Benefit if you pay rent and your income is below a certain level. Once you start working you just need to complete a change of circumstances form (you can get this from the benefits office) and the benefits office will recalculate how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to. The amount you get is dependant on your income once you are working.
What if after the benefits office have re calculated my Housing Benefit and I still cannot afford to pay my rent, what can I do?
If you can not afford to pay the full difference between your rent and Housing Benefit you can apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This will help pay some of the difference for at least 6 months, and then you can re apply. The HELP Team can help you to apply for this.
How do I apply for Working Tax Credits?
You apply for working tax credits as soon as you start work after a long period of unemployment or if you were in a very low paid job previously. You are eligible for some Working Tax Credits if your annual income in the previous tax year was approximately £14,000 or less. Do note benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance are not considered as income, so if you were on this for a year and then moved into full-time paid employment, you would be eligible for Working Tax Credits.
To see if you are eligible, contact the Tax Credits office on 0845 300 3900.
Where can I get information about affordable childcare?
You can contact Westminster Family Information Services (FIS) on 020 7641 7929 for all queries regarding children’s services including childcare.
Also, speak to a HELP Adviser for the latest childcare grants and schemes that may be available to you.