Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Extended Payments

What are they?

You may be able to get extra help if you or your partner have stopped claiming benefit because you are:

• taking up full-time work (of at least 16 hours a week) or 24 hours for a partner
• becoming self-employed, or
• increasing your hours of work or wages.

Are they for me?

If you have been receiving Income Support (IS), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) continuously for at least 26 weeks, and have a rent or council tax liability, you may be entitled to an additional 4 weeks payment of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit.

If you need help with your rent or Council Tax to bridge the gap from the end of your benefit claim and receiving your first wage, this could help you to cope.

What do I need to do next?

If you are claiming JSA or IS we will automatically let your local authority know your benefit claim has ended. However you must tell your local authority within 4 weeks of taking up employment that you have started work. Your local authority will decide whether or not you are entitled to an extended payment. Ask your personal adviser for more details and to check if you are entitled to this help.

More information about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit