Council are being a pain & won't backdate my housing benefit

gandalfsbeard

As it stands I'm currently unemployed and living in London, I've been finding it a real pain in the a.rse finding work within my field (I'm of a creative persuasion) due to the current economic climate it's proven even trickier than usual. Fortunately I was able to claim housing benefit, but as I am so poor right now I was hoping to claim 3 months backdated rent. The reason I gave for not applying for Housing benefit sooner was the simple truth that I didn't realise it was available to me. I only became aware of it through moneysavinexpert.com, the council sent me a letter stating:

1. We are unable to accept ignorance of the right to claim along as good cause for awarding backdated benefit

2. It is reasonable to assume you could have made enquiries about any help available to you at an earlier date

I understand what they mean but I find it really unfair since I had absolutely no idea that I was eligible to claim Housing benefit to begin with. It's not even like I'm asking for 6 - 12 months backdated rent either! They said I can write to them if I disagree with their decision but I'm unsure how to proceed. Has anyone been through a similar process? What did you say to them to get the backdated claim back on track? Any pointers in the right direction would be gratefully accepted in these hard times. Thanks very much.

dmg24

They are correct, ignorance is not a good enough reason not to have claimed earlier.

Can you not look for work outside your 'field'?

cattie

The ignorance rule stands for all means tested benefits. The onus is on the applicant to investigate any benefits he/she may be entitled to & not on dwp or local council benefit departments to inform possible qualifying applicants.

As DMG suggests, looking for work outside your field is something you perhaps could consider. The employment situation in London is still relatively healthy compared to some parts of the country. And whilst you may have to settle for a job out of your field for a while, surely rather than be poor, as you mention you are right now, a paying job would be a godsend? You could still continue to search for a more suitable job if you initially have to take one which isn't quite up your street.

McKneff

where were you living fro the three months backdated rent period and did you use savings to pay rent?

herbertthehelper

McKneff wrote: »

where were you living fro the three months backdated rent period and did you use savings to pay rent?

If this is the case you might have trouble getting the local council to pay you anything as technically you didn't need the money?

dmg24

herbertthehelper wrote: »

If this is the case you might have trouble getting the local council to pay you anything as technically you didn't need the money?

That would only be the case if the OP had more than the prescribed capital limits. Not technically needing the money does not exempt someone from benefits.

zappster1966

herbertthehelper wrote: »

If this is the case you might have trouble getting the local council to pay you anything as technically you didn't need the money?

"The need has passed."

Come on, Herbert, that went out with the Ark

gandalfsbeard

McKneff wrote: »

where were you living fro the three months backdated rent period and did you use savings to pay rent?

I was living at the current address where I am currently seeking 3 months backdated rent. I used savings to pay for the rent for this period and the little money I earned as a Graphic Design Intern for a well known sports brand. This money began to dwindle drastically which led me to do some research online. I discovered I was able to claim Housing benefit through an article I found on moneysaving much to my surprise.

I'm a recent graduate currently working but again another unpaid Graphic Design Internship which is part time. I just about qualify for job seekers allowance as I don't work enough hours. The job market is tough here in London, even mediocre jobs are difficult to obtain. I genuinely don't know what a person is meant to do if they initially had no idea that Housing benefit was available to them. It's not as if they advertise this openly. Most of my friends have no idea about it whatsoever. So what is a person to do??

The Graphic Design market is ridiculously competitive hence why I'm trying my best to keep a foot in the door with these exploitative internships. And if things weren't bad enough apparently the council seem to think that they've paid me too much housing benefit and that I have to return £500. Quite astonishing considering I have not been earning any income due to my design internships. They're being thoroughly unreasonable.

On the plus side somehow I have managed to secure two job interviews for highly sought after Graphic Design positions. I've got everything crossed.

Oldernotwiser

I think that you're fortunate to be able to claim JSA whilst working on a voluntary basis as I can see that this is likely to be the best way to start your career.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous for a graduate to argue that they didn't know about available benefits as research is always supposed to be one of a graduate's most valuable transferrable skills. I'd be thankful that you've found it out in time to be some help to you when you really need it.

dmg24

gandalfsbeard wrote: »

It's not as if they advertise this openly. Most of my friends have no idea about it whatsoever. So what is a person to do??

You are clearly able to use the internet. A quick Google of 'what benefits' would have given you all the information you needed. You need to be proactive, you are an adult now, no one is going to spoon feed you.

[Deleted User]

So the rent was paid for those 3 months and it's not still owed.
So you want the government to replenish your savings?
If only :rotfl: