Housing Benefit into heavily overdrawn bank-account query

Fred_Kite

I've completed a telephone JSA and HB interview and realised I might have a problem.
I gave them my bank account number to which they will pay in the HB and JSA - but the problem is my account is well overdrawn.
I cannot imagine that the bank will allow me to come in and remove the only money they have seen coming in for weeks, so that I can pay my landlord.
There was a suggestion that they send me a giro which I can pay at the Post Office. This seems risky?
Anyone with anythoughts or could suggest options?

harveybobbles

Giro is best. You get the cash there and then. they will either post it to you or tell you to come in to the local Job Centre Plus to collect it at an appointed time.
Or you could open up a Post Office account...

Mips

The bank will - it's called appropriation or something. They are not allowed to take your benefits from the state.

You will have to collect from a branch though and see a manager. This can be organised over the phone.

nm8553

you can have an interview with your bank manager who will agree to give you access to your benefits but may well insist on you repaying your overdraught somewhat promptly.......
.....or you can have a giro
......or you can still set up a post office card account (these don't stop until next year)


many peoples' favourite is the giro but you are reliant on the post. I know a lot of people who wait for the postman every week and it can be a mite frustrating.

Whatever you decide don't forget to let the jobcentre know to change your details

pandaspot

With regards to your hb i would request that payment is made direct to the landlord.

Where i work, we have a form for claimants to request this payment method, you will have to show your local authority how overdrawn your account is, but it should not be a problem. I would ring them asap and let them know your situation before they send out a bacs payment to your account

moodydonkey

get your HB paid directly to your LL it's not normal practise but i think if you and your LL both state in writing your reasons why then they will do it. I personally wanted it this way, requested it to the council in writing and they agreed. Good luck.

Fred_Kite

Many thanks to everyone who has replied. It is wonderful to know that there are people who will help in this way. I'm now going to visit several other posts and see if I have anything to offer. Sort of "pay it back".

pink.1970

our bank manager told us to open another account for benefits with a different bank so charges etc didnt take any money....

we opened a nationwide flexaccount which has only a cashcard but you can also have standing order, dd, bill payments etc etc

to open the post office cash account you need to ask at where you sign on for a form to take to the post office to open this kind of account,(thats what the girl in our local post office told us.)

hth

simone83

if you have a new claim to HB and are a private tenant you will fall under the new LHA rules which state that unless your are a vulnerable person the allowance will be paid direct to you.

Go into your local council office and ask for the form to declare yourselve as a vulnerable person and take in bank statements to prove your point.

I know the term 'vulnerable person' seems a bit harsh, but thats what the LA will call it!!

This new rule was brought it as it was though it put the responsibilty to pay rent back to the tenant and forge ineraction between tenant and landlord - but sometimes it just doesnt help at all!