are tax credits classed as dss

[bluejeans16]

Hi all. i am trying to find a house near where i live to rent. I get tax credits as I am self employed. All the houses that I am finding all say no dss. i was wondering if anyone new if tax credits were classed as dss?

[Betty67]

Lots of people are on benefits and you are working I would look at the ones you are interested in.

[bluejeans16 in reply to Betty67]

Hi Betty67. I forgot to say that I will be relying on housing benefits to pay my rent as i don't earn enough to pay it myself.

[Betty67 in reply to bluejeans16]

Have you been paying rent now and have you got references from past landlords: I am sure that would be more important to most reasonable landlords.

[bluejeans16 in reply to Betty67]

I have always lived with my parents so I don't have any references.

[Betty67 in reply to bluejeans16]

then I am sorry to say you have a problem, I suggest you make friends with an agent what you need is someone who likes and trusts you to convince their clients to take a risk on you.

Do you have any one who can guarantee for you? You may need to ask your parents for help. if they are throwing you out then that might help you as well for social housing!

I started to rent this year and afraid I had to pay 6 months in advance, now I am on a month in advance.

How about a house share as a first step?

Talk to your local council, local housing associations and citizen advice.

[bluejeans16 in reply to Betty67]

I am going through a local housing association who are trying to help and I have signed up with a local estate agent who have landlords that accept people on benefits but they haven't been in touch for ages. A few months ago I found a house with the estate agent but after weeks of going backwards and forwards with the estate agents the landlord let the house to someone he knew. As for council housing I need a house as I have 2 dogs and they will only give me a pokey 1 bedroom flat (if I am not stuck on a waiting list for ages). I went to the CAB ages ago and they put me in touch with the housing association.

[Betty67 in reply to bluejeans16]

i used to volunteer with a housing association and I know it is not easy. Keep on to the agents, gentle but persistent, contact them often.

They are going to look for the easy people first unless you keep reminding them but be ultra ultra nice when you call, as they are human too.

I love dogs but they are an added complication.

[Shadows-walker]

No tax credits are not social security , you are working for yourself ,you are not on housing benift hope that's helps

[TheAuthor]

Hi bluejeans16

I sincerely hope that you are feeling well today? Tax credits are an HMRC benefit, another words from the tax office and nothing to do with DWP benefits such as job seekers or income support. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck with finding yourself a new home.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[bluejeans16 in reply to TheAuthor]

I am still not sure. does that mean that if I look at a house that says no dss on the details I should just go for it.

[TheAuthor in reply to bluejeans16]

Hi. I would have thought that they are classed as social security even though they are paid by HMRC. The difference being of course is that Tax Credits are paid out to people who work to supplement their income. I think I have read somewhere that tax credits will soon become part of the Universal Credit which is also paid out by the DWP?

[fibro]

Hi,

Yes, tax credits are classed under the heading of social security benefits.

Its up to the landlord who they want as a tenant, i would try and make contact with them as they may be more understanding as you are working.

The term 'no DSS' was around well before Tax Credits existed, so as everyone's financial situation is different its always worth trying to ask.

I wish you luck

[sue32]

I never understand why landlords say n DSS....surely they'll get their rent if the council pay? Just asking! XXX

[bluejeans16 in reply to sue32]

Hi sue32. I think all the bad press about vandalism has given everyone a bad name. It is a misunderstanding that all people on benefits are lazy, disrespectful people. As for the council paying the rent it has changed. Most councils now pay the rent direct to the tenant and not the landlord, this seems to be making the situation worse as I am sure some people will not hand the money over to their landlords.

[sue32 in reply to bluejeans16]

Yes, you're probably right. I think this is a really bad idea personally. People will spend the money on other things rather than pay their bills! XX

[releasethemagic]

"No DSS" usually means no-one receiving Housing Benefit to pay their rent. It does not cover every benefit or tax credit payment as otherwise every parent receiving Child Benefit would be excluded from renting privately !

Housing Benefit is sometimes paid to landlords direct to make sure the rent is paid, especially for vulnerable people. Some landlords just don't want anyone on housing benefit due to the perceived extra administration and a belief (often mistaken) that they will be worse tenants.

Tax credits are a private matter between you and HMRC. Your landlord need never know that you receive them.