Can anyone who has recently returned to work and had to sort out benefits give me some advice

[IllegallyBrunette]

I am starting to get a bit stressed trying to sort all of this out.

I start work on Mon 5th Jan, will be doing over 16 hours so will be coming off Income support, but will still need to claim some housing benefit.

As I understand it, my council tax benefit and housing benefit as it is now will roll on for 4 weeks after my start date. I rang the neighbourhood office and they said that this is done automatically and I don't have to do anything . Apparently I then need to go in with 2 months worth of bank statements, proof of child benefit, rent and earnings (hard as I won't have been paid by then). They will apparently then adjust my housing benefit etc.

I have an appointment at the job centre on Monday to sort out the forms for my back to work grant and in work credit and the bloke there is really good so I am not overly worried about that, but he doesn't deal with the housing benefit and tbh I am really worried that they will fuck it all up.

Also, if I start on 5th Jan when do I inform tax credits ??

Not sure bout housing benefit but I would give inland revenue a call now and inform them, especially as u have a def start date. I'm pretty sure that's what I did.

Hmm am worried they might stop my money though if I ring them now. I know they shouldn't but I don't trust them either.

Can I not ring them the day before I start ?? Or the day I start ??

Message withdrawn

Right ok, thanks Aimsmum. I will just be glad when it is all sorted.