I am a full time student and lone parent. I get housing benefit which pays some of my rent, I pay the rest out of my student income.
Housing benefit contacted me recently that I should submit my child care costs as this may result in a higher rate of HB. However, most of my childcare is paid for through child care grant anyway. They told me that my child tax credit is pushing me over the threshold which is why I'm having to pay a significant amount of rent.
Are they saying, that it might work out better for me if I didn't claim child care grant? How do I work out which way I'm better off, and then do I have a right to choose whichever way works out better?
I find this kind of thing very confusing, please can someone explain it to me! Also is there anywhere where I can go to for advice? CAB no longer exist in my area.
Many thanks.