HB and zero hour contracts

Claimant’s hours are very variable (no pattern). Sometimes earns too much to get any HB but other weeks earns less and should get some HB. It could be one week on HB, one week off.

How do HB deal with this? Do they close claim each time her earnings mean she has nil HB entitlement? Does she have to do full new claim every week she is entitled?

basic guidance in Housing Benefit Regulation 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)
-five payments if you are paid weekly
-two payments if you are paid monthly

Guidance in a Shelter article says same thing pretty much.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/reporting_family_and_income_changes/housing_benefit_on_a_zero_hour_contract_or_variable_income

The average can also be worked out over 52 weeks pursuant to HB Reg 29(3)

On a separate note: I am aware of claimants claiming JSA in the periods without work and getting passported HB. This then creates a situation of HB starting, stopping and suspending repeatedly.  The DWP seem to be allowing the claim without looking at averages. 

This leads me to wonder what is the best route to claim benefits???? and if the DWP are correct