Under what circustances can you get top up Housing Benefit?

[LOVELYDOVEY05]

My friend works , has 8 year old and a high rent plus childminder.
She says her salary etc only covers her rent so she needs help for food and bills

It's included in universal credit. If she applies they would look at her rent and childcare costs (up to limit) then work out how much they think she needs to live on (by live they mean not starve, not have nice lifestyle). Then for every £1 she earns over £300/month they take 63p off the amount.

They don't take into account any debt, or if rent above their limits (and in some areas it's difficult to find places the rent below the limits), so it's possible to earn slightly to much to receive any help, but still be struggling. Has your friend looked at moving somewhere with cheaper rent? Or reduceing debt repayment if she has any?

Yes I thought she should just move somewhere cheaper but it is in
the catchment area of where her son goes to school ie where he attended school before they moved there

Her son wouldn't lose his school place if he is already attending the school AFAIK.

She can claim Universal Credit. She might get top ups for rent, living costs and childcare, depending on her earnings.

If she’s struggling to afford food/bills, there’s a high probability she’s in debt too - that also needs to be addressed.

Where I live you don’t lose a school place by moving out of catchment, I thought that was country wide.

Steps for your friend to take:

Claim UC
Address debt (Debt management plan if necessary)
If no extra funds or UC not enough, move house

If you mean discretionary housing payment - which is administered by the council the info is here

www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments