Qualifying rules for Extended Payment

If you have recently started work and have been receiving a qualifying benefit for the required time you may be entitled to an Extended Payment. This is where Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction can continue to be paid based on your previous benefit entitlement for up to four weeks.    

If you were receiving: Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) you or your partner may be entitled to an Extended Payment if: 

• You have been receiving one (or a combination) of the above benefits continuously for at least 26 weeks immediately before starting work
• Your entitlement to one of the above benefits stopped as a result of you starting a job or increasing your hours
• You have started work or had an increase in your hours that will last for at least five weeks
• You have been liable for rent and/or Council Tax immediately before your entitlement to one of the above benefits ended and you are liable for rent and/or Council Tax during the extended payment period

If you were receiving: Incapacity Benefit , Severe Disablement Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance Contribution Related you or your partner may be entitled to an Extended Payment if: 

• You have been receiving one (or a combination) of the above benefits continuously for at least 26 weeks immediately before starting work
• Your entitlement to one of the above benefits stopped as a result of you starting a job or increasing your hours
• You have started work or had an increase in your hours that will last for at least five weeks
• You have been liable for rent and or Council Tax immediately before your entitlement to one of the above benefits ended and you are liable for rent and or Council Tax during the extended payment period.