Housing Benefit if Self-Employed?

[Eve4Walle]

Has anyone claimed HB whilst self-employed? How difficult was it? I am working 14 hours a week but DH is trying to get his new business on its feet and we are struggling very much financially. I just wondered if anyone else had any experience of this?

Yes, I have - though I was only self employed for a short time. I think you have to give yearly accounts. My best tip is always go to the council offices and do everything in person - sometimes you get alarming letters which say they are going to cut everything, or you get two letters dated the same day saying opposite things, but if you go in to the offices in person they usually clear it all up straight away.

It's a bit of a nightmare to claim in the first place, and the letters are a bit worrying, but once it's set up it's quite easy and it is a huge help. You will probably be entitled to council tax benefit as well.