HB&CT suspended for review.

Macro_3

real1314 wrote: »

Why would a LA apply a non-dep deduction if DLA care was in payment? Wouldn't it be a perverse decision?

I know it's "the way we do it" but that doesn't make it right. I would hope any HB review would refer such a decision back to the LA as an error and request that the claim be corrected and the non-dep deduction be removed.

The software used in my LA wouldn't actually allow a deduction to be made if DLAC was entered as income against the claimant or partner, so a deduction couldn't be taken. As far as I'm aware, this is the case with all HB software. However, the highest deduction is often input for admin reasons knowing that no deduction will result, in case DLAC ends for some reason - to prevent an overpayment if th non-dep income is overlooked when DLAC is removed.

If it were possible to actually take a deduction, it would certainly be flagged as an error. The suspension in itself (if only for non-dep income) would also be a financial and admin error and would be noted against the officer who made the mistake if it were picked up as it is a needless interruption of their benefit.

baza52

Macro wrote: »

I don't think it's a reasonable request, really, and suspending the claim whilst waiting for them would be a financial error. (Besides, who has so little to do at the moment that they'd knowingly waste time with something like this :eek:)

It seems like a mistake, if anything: ie the officer has noticed that child benefit has ended and goes onto auto pilot, suspends claim to prevent overpayment, DLA care gets overlooked, and the letter is dashed off. The OP called to query and perhaps spoke to someone other than the person who wrote out (maybe call centre or admin etc) who requested that the OP supply the wage slip anyway just to cover their back. I'd be willing to bet that it's just a simple mistake.

A little note from you, OP, stating that you are on DLA care and won't be supplying wage slips should suffice. The benefit officer will receive the note, realise they have been a bit dippy and remove the suspension. Happy days.

When i called and spoke to them i specifically asked for a note(s) to be added to my file saying i would not be sending the requested info due to wifes HRC award. He assured me it would be.
He also suggested i send in the info "just in case things change" even though he aknowleged the HRC award and its disregard.
Im sure the call would have been recorded.

DX2

tomitma wrote: »

What a stupid man you are, its all very well talking about your rights, and getting your rent and council tax paid, plus god knows how many other benefits you are getting, It is also the councils right to find out how many people and what there income is, that are living in social housing.

You can stick to your guns as much as you like, but the council will stick to theres, as far as the council are concerned, once a child has left education, they are then classed as lodgers, and are expected to pay something towards the rent, how this hasen't already happened with your son, I don't know.

Remember whilst you are living off the benefits, of the taxes that working people are paying, you have to abide by the rules, and if the council want information, you have to provide it.

Stupid man

Pot, kettle, black.

When you actually know about HB/CTB come back until such a time, keep your ignorant rants to yourself.

DX2

baza52 wrote: »

When i called and spoke to them i specifically asked for a note(s) to be added to my file saying i would not be sending the requested info due to wifes HRC award. He assured me it would be.
He also suggested i send in the info "just in case things change" even though he aknowleged the HRC award and its disregard.
Im sure the call would have been recorded.

Personally I would write a wee letter stating the above also include that you have phoned the relevant department about this situation and send it recorded delivery.

baza52

Just to update,
My HB ended up being suspended but in the end they reinstated the claim with 100% backdating WITHOUT me providing any info.
I just returned one of their letters stating i would not be sending them the info they wanted as my wife had HRC.

More taxpayers money wasted.....

So am i still a stupid man?

bestpud

baza52 wrote: »

Just to update,
My HB ended up being suspended but in the end they reinstated the claim with 100% backdating WITHOUT me providing any info.
I just returned one of their letters stating i would not be sending them the info they wanted as my wife had HRC.

More taxpayers money wasted.....

So am i still a stupid man?

Glad you got it sorted and, for the record, I wouldn't have sent irrelevant information either.

My local council couldnt organise a p1$$ up in a brewery so I'm used to them doing very odd things with my claim but it can usually be sorted if I contact the person who makes the decision.

real1314

bestpud wrote: »

Glad you got it sorted and, for the record, I wouldn't have sent irrelevant information either.

My local council couldnt organise a p1$$ up in a brewery so I'm used to them doing very odd things with my claim but it can usually be sorted if I contact the person who makes the decision.

To be honest, despite my stance, I do sympathise with the council staff, who are just following standard procedure, but they need to review actions to remove those that are un-neccessary and do little to reduce the risk of any fraud or error. This type of action is one that can be stopped in my opinion.