Interview under caution

Oldernotwiser

Do you claim anything other than IS, like HB/LHA?

jimbms

Have I got this right? Even though you knew you was not entitled to the benefits they sent you, you still cashed them in and spent the money instead of returning it, but you never intended defraud the benefits system, just borrow the cash for a little while maybe. Doesn't sound very good does it?

ZakOne_2

I receive HB and Council Tax benefit as well. The benefit is paid directly into an account so there is no need to cash it in as such. I have not touched any of it though - it is still in the account and can be paid back at a moments notice.

tinktinktinkerbell

jimbms wrote: »

Have I got this right? Even though you knew you was not entitled to the benefits they sent you, you still cashed them in and spent the money instead of returning it, but you never intended defraud the benefits system, just borrow the cash for a little while maybe. Doesn't sound very good does it?

no he didnt spend it, if you read he said he put the money aside as he knew it was an over payment

this happened to us one time regarding HB (we didnt have an interview under caution) but we were 'over paid' HB, they said we hadnt told them we had started work but we had, we did have to re pay the benefit but we did get it back at a later date when they actually checked their system properly

all i can say OP is never just assume they got your letter, always ring up to check that they did (if they did it would all be on their system) its always best to double and even treble check things like this

ZakOne_2

I think I will take the advice from here and go and be as honest as possible. I realise that there is an amount to pay back and may now even be a penalty as well which I will happily pay.

My failing in this matter is not chasing them up after I realised I had been overpaid. My guess is they either did not receive my initial letter or that it has only just turned up. Paperwork etc is not my strong point and I can be a bit laxidasical on these matters.

Does anyone know how this will affect any future HB or IS? I am just slightly concerned about future rent payments. Can I just pay back the sum on one go or is it taken from benefit? My rent goes direct to a housing association so will they stop being paid because of the overpayment?

Thanks.

G51shopaholic

get copies of phone bill - all 0845 number calls should be listed so you'll have your evidence.

However, if you thought you'd just continue your claim incase the job didn't work out you need to be honest.

You did say in your first post you'd realised you'd bitten off more than you could chew. So I suspect you were too busy with the new job to notice that the money was still being paid but if it came in Giro form THEN YOU DID KNOW!

ZakOne_2

I will get the copies of the bill to show them. I didn't notice the money was still going into the account until around mid December as I don't get Giro's or anything. I was working away from home at the time so wasn't keeping up with my mail etc either.

Deepmistrust

I think you'll be OK, if you just be honest. You were foolish.

Sorry, I have no more advice to give you.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

ZakOne_2

Was interviewed today.

I will get a formal caution and pay the money back right away. No other action taken.

Said I should of got back in touch when I realised they were still paying me which is fair enough.

Not such a difficult interview but I will be a lot more careful with my communication with them in future.

Zak

Deepmistrust

ZakOne wrote: »

Was interviewed today.

I will get a formal caution and pay the money back right away. No other action taken.

Said I should of got back in touch when I realised they were still paying me which is fair enough.

Not such a difficult interview but I will be a lot more careful with my communication with them in future.

Zak

Good to hear it. Glad it's all sorted for you now.