council tax and housing benefit review visit help

chardonnay_2 · 6 February 2007 at 6:17PM

hi, my friend was notified this morning that he would be getting a visit as part of the council's ongoing review process for all customers claiming these benefits. i wondered if anyone had had one of these before and what it entails, how long it lasts etc? he doesn't keep well sufferring from anxiety, depression and social phobia and is therefore very anxious about the prospect of a stranger visiting his house asking questions etc. he hasn't been claiming these benefits long just over six months.

the letter states a shortened review form will be completed and to have all original documents re income / savings etc available at the visit. does anyone know exactly what kinds of documents they are looking for? his only income is his incapacity benefit and he has no savings.

many thanks

charchar_3 · 6 February 2007 at 6:25PM

Usually you don't get a visit for the first year but i suppose every council is different.

All that happens is they come round pull out the review form and start to fill it in as per the original form, ask if there has been any changes to persons living there, income, childcare etc.

The documents that will be needed are a recent utility bill, recent bank statement and proof of benefit recieved.

astonsmummy · 6 February 2007 at 7:01PM

Hi i had one a coupkle of weeks ago, basically he has to provide proof of any income, such as his IB award letter, a couple of bank statements, proof of how much his rent is, a rent statement will do or tennancy agreement, the review doesnt last long at all, basically the officer just looks at the documents and fills out a form stating what he has seen, and they may ask for some ID such as passport, drivng licence, birth certificat, tell your friend not to worrry x

bexmark_2 · 6 February 2007 at 9:00PM

Wow, this is my very first post and my area of expertise as these review visits are my job, (sad, but someone has to do it).
Tell your friend not to worry - they are totally routine and just another part of the benefit process. As your friend has not been in receipt of benefit for a lng period, he will have to get used to them. A few years ago, the governemtn ended review periods, where you claim ,but have to reclaim after around 12 months. As lots of people don't tell the various agencies about changes to their circumstances, the powers-that-be decided that a regular visit was then the next best way to minimise error and fraud. It is sad that the tiny minority who do actively commit fraud have ensured that measures like these are necessary and please reassure your friend that it is in no way personal or designed to make them unhappy.
If he is really unhappy, the local authority should be able to perform an office-based interview, (as long as he can give a reasonable reason). But in short, the review visit should take about ten minutes as long as he has kept the authority up-to-date with his situation.
In three years and about 3000 visits, I've only had about 5 visits where it turned nasty and they were all on the customer's part. As a Visiting Officer, I appreciate that it is an intrusive situation, but the vast majority are actually appreciative of the visit, as it puts a human face on what can otherwise be a great blank wall of officialdom and provides them with a point of contact for future problems.
If in doubt, tell him to contact the local office for clarification. All he should need will be proof of his income and how it is paid - so probably a bank or post office statement. Other bits will depend on if he is renting and having Housing Benefit paid direct to himself, (they will want proof that he is making his rental commitment).
Hope that helps.

peter999 · 6 February 2007 at 9:55PM

bexmark wrote:

..In three years and about 3000 visits,

I think that makes you an expert.

council tax and housing benefit review visit help

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