Housing Benefits Delay

xfive71

Hello all forummers, I'm hoping someone could give me some advice on what to do next. I reported a change in circumstances to Housing Benefits 8 weeks back and my HB was suspended whilst they checked through my new claim

They had asked me for more documents, which I followed up promptly. Each time, I visited the office on the very day,submitted my docs and was given a receipt.

It gone slightly awry a few weeks back with them asking for documents I've already submitted and then sending a letter saying they have not received any documents.

On receipt of this, I called and visited the office. The officers confirmed three times (on 3 seperate visits) that all my documentation were up to date and to ignore the letter; they referred it back to the Housing Team three times marking it as urgent.

It has been 4 weeks since my last document submission and 8 weeks since my benefit suspension. I am at wit's end on what to do now -

1. Should I request for an intermediate payment to tide me over? I only have £100 till payday (most of my pay goes to rent now since the HB is not forthcoming) and would have to pay for childcare for that time whilst I am working

2. I have contacted their Customer Service/Complaint line, requesting if they could look into the matter. Should I try another external organisation like Shelter?

3. Any other ideas?

Thank you very much for taking your time to read this!

Jowo_2

You can request an interim hb payment - this is where they are obliged to make a payment if the claimant has provided all the relevant documents but the council hasn't processed it within 2 weeks. You have to request this, it doesn't happen automatically.