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Extended Payments - extra help with Housing/Council Tax Benefit

This page is designed to give advice to those who have recently returned to work after a period on benefit of at least 26 weeks and offers financial assistance for an additional four week period.

Who is it for?

An extended payment is for anyone who was unemployed and receiving either Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit which stopped because either you or your partner started work or have increased your hours of work to more than 16 per week.

Will I qualify?

You or your partner (or a combination of you both) must have been getting Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) continuously for at least 26 weeks before the benefit ended. This also applies to Severe Disablement Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

Your must also be:-

  • Under 60 years old on the day after your Income Support/Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) stopped.
  • The new job or increased hours (if previously less than 16 hours) must be expected to last for at least 5 weeks.
  • You must be entitled to Housing or Council Tax Benefit immediately before starting work.
  • You must have a liability for Rent/Council Tax during the extended payment period.

How long is the extended benefit period for?

The extended Housing/Council Tax Benefit period will be for 4 weeks from the day after your Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit has stopped (as long as you continue to have a liability to pay rent or Council Tax).

How will my benefit be calculated?

You will receive the same rate of Housing/Council Tax Benefit as you did whilst you were in receipt of Income Support/Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit. People who change address however may be paid at a different rate. You must also fill in a new claim form for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

How do I apply?

You must contact the Local Authority within 4 weeks of the end of your entitlement to Income Support/Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit ending. You can write a letter, telephone or call in person to one of the One Stop Shops to claim your extended payments.

What if I need more information?

You can telephone the Finance Department on 0151 606 2002 or alternatively you can call in person to any of the One Stop Shops to discuss this, or any other matter relating to Housing/Council Tax Benefit. For opening hours of the One Stop Shop - See Council Offices in the related links section.

See Also