A WOMAN who calls herself the ‘Benefit Queen’ has claimed she hasn’t paid rent in six months.
Ebony Wood, who lives in a council house, claims she would rather receive Universal Credit than get a job.
But now, the 26-year-old has also revealed that she hasn’t paid rent in six months and isn’t worried about getting evicted.
In a recent clip, the content creator, who has previously been accused of posting rage bait content online, gave dangerous advice to those who may not be able to afford their rent.
She said: ” Can’t afford your rent? Bruv, don’t pay that s**t.
“Honestly, they can’t do s**t about it.”
Ebony claimed that her rent money from Universal Credit, but doesn’t pass it on to the council who owns her property.
“The last time I paid rent was six months ago,” she claimed.
“Honestly, they’ve not done s**t.
“They’ve not even sent me one letter asking me to pay my rent.”
The single mother, who previously claimed to be receiving £4,000 a month from the government, continued, saying that even if bailiffs came to the door, she wasn’t concerned as they had to get her permission to enter the property.
Ebony went on to give her reasons for not paying her rent, saying: “I wasn’t asked to be put on this earth. I didn’t ask to be born, so why should I pay bills and why should I work a nine to five.”
REALITIES OF NOT PAYING RENT
While Ebony claims she doesn’t pay her rent with no repercussions, it seems unlikely.
Advice from Shelter, a leading housing charity in the UK reveals not paying rent is sure-fire way to get yourself evicted, even if it is a council property.
At the end of the day, not paying rent can always put you at risk of losing your home.
Rent arrears can be paid off slowly with an agreed rent repayment plan put in place, but if you fail to keep up with payments, it can see you be evicted.
What council tax support is available?
THERE are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn’t have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS
Ebony’s video went viral with over 142k views on her TikTok account @ebonywooduc.
Plenty of people took to the comments, asking if she was trying to get everyone evicted.
One person wrote: “LOOOL she’s tryna get everyone evicted.”
Another commented: “Note the landlord can get a locksmith with a bailiff to evict you after section 21 is served. So no permission is needed to enter.”
“She wants everyone living in tents,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Human beings like this lady here make it harder for those that are really in need of real help.”
“Do not follow this information you will be homeless,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “I pray to never have a tenant like you.”
