Starting work and coming off benefits (extended payments)

• Extended Payments
• Who can claim?
• How do I claim this extra benefit?
• What happens next?
• Can I continue receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after an extended payment period?

Extended Payments

Extended Payments are designed to help long-term unemployed people who are returning to work, by giving them an ‘extended payment’ of up to four weeks extra Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

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Who can claim?

You are entitled to an extended payment if:

• You or your partner starts employment or self-employment or increases your hours or earnings

And

•   This is expected to last for at least five weeks

And

•  You or your partner has been entitled to Job Seekers Allowance (income based), Income Support or Employment & Support Allowance (income related) continuously for at least 26 weeks (or any combination of those benefits in that period)

Or

• You or your partner has been entitled to Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement  Allowance or Employment & Support Allowance (contribution based) continuously for at least 26 weeks (or any combination of those benefits in that period) but neither are receiving Pension Credit

And       

• Entitlement to any of these benefits ceases as a result.

And 

•  You or your partner remains liable for rent and /or council tax at the same or a new address.

How do I claim this extra benefit?

You must tell us straight away if you think you are entitled to an extended payment.  A written claim is not required.  However, if you telephone or call into the Revenues and Benefits office in person it may be wise to follow up with written confirmation.  We shall then contact the Department for Works and Pensions to confirm that you meet the qualifying conditions.

It is very important that you make your claim for the extended payment within four weeks of starting work or increasing your hours otherwise you will not qualify.

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What happens next?

If you satisfy the conditions we shall amend your benefit claim to continue for up to 4 weeks from the Monday after your Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance stopped.

You will be paid at the rate you are already receiving.

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Can I continue receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after an extended payment period?

If you wish to continue receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after the extended payment period you will need to complete a change of circumstances form.  Your claim will be assessed on your new income details.

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