HB-Time limit of sorting claim?

littlebunny

We have applied for HB, we won't be entitled for the full amount but the amount entitled will make a difference to our family.
It has been 11 weeks since all the forms went in & we were told they had all the info, everytime I ring I get told they are behind with the claims but don't worry it'll be sorted.
What is the usual time it takes them to sort it out?
Thank you.

Aarons_mummy

Depends on the area and the amount of claims they have at the time I believe.

MsShorty

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, my local council can take up to 6 months just to deal with a change of circumstances/change in income.

I end up calculating my own housing benefit/council tax benefit and adjusting my rent/council tax payments accordingly, in order to cover any overpayments that may occur.

It not ideal, but benefits departments do seem to be inundated with claimants, in the current financial climate

littlebunny

Thanks, I thought this may be the case. I just wish I could get an honest answer out of them.
It is Cornwall.

MsShorty

As yours is a new claim and you are not yet receiving Housing Benefit, I would suggest ringing them every two weeks, just to remind them that you are still waiting for your claim to be processed.

I know they are busy people, but it doesn't hurt to remind them just how long you have been waiting. Obviously, claimants wouldn't be claiming Housing Benefit, if they could manage without it!

On the plus side, once it is calculated, you will receive a lump sum of Housing Benefit, backdated to the Monday following the council's receipt of your claim

smithyjules

I work for the local council and we are advising new claimants that they are working 8 weeks in arrears at present.

As another poster has said, it certainly does not hurt to give them a call (from your local council office this is free) and chase them up, we also have a drop in service where you can chat to a benefits assessor/adviser...this can help to get the ball rolling too.

HTH

kst101

I put my claim in on 18th April. Supposedly had given in everything they needed by 19th except for tax credits award as put in that claim on the 18th as well but then they lost my self employed information (I did get a receipt for it so who knows where it went) so redid that. Since then have had tax credits award and given that in, theb realised I am working more hours at the moment so did new claim for wtc which I have got and given that in to the benefits office.

Was told to ring next week if I haven't heard anythung - judging by this thread I could be waiting a while! People may complain about tax credits but at least they are quicker and pay me money. I realise I am just one person and that not everyobe's case is the same but when I see signs and leasflets in the benefits office talking about 24 hour guarantees from when you put in the claim it is a little frustrating.

johnsons_baby

My sister has just made a new claim, she's a stay at home mother with 2 kids and her husband just walked out. She's been told there is an 11 week backlog at the moment, it's not ideal, luckily she has enough to cover rent for that period.
They've said there is a huge increase at the moment due to the financial climate.

Macro_3

11 weeks :eek:. All LA's have heavy workloads at present, but 11 weeks for a new claim is beyond reasonable. Our backlog for new claims at present is about 3 weeks, but claims made in person are being done in under a week. Personally, I'd make a complaint in writing to the Head of Service and my councillor as that should get things moving.

terriandaaron

you can ask them for an interim payment to meet your needs....my cousin did this and they have to consider this.

bestpud

It's just taken my LA 13 weeks to finalise a cancelled claim and it took around five months to process a certificate of earnings last year.

I wouldn't hold your breath!

It may help if you can get your LL to call them... Mine didn't take long after a call from my LL, but it is a Housing Association so may have more sway than a private LL.