Housing Benefits and Change of Circumstances

neopagan

Hi everyone, I'm in a right mess and I need some advice. I've lived in my current property, a flat share for about two and a half years now. I do work but I've been claiming housing benefit since about February 2010 due to low income. When I first started my claim I had to have several interviews to prove that I was not in a relationship with the other tennant and I was indeed single. The reason they questioned this is because we have a joint account so that the bills and rent can all go out together. It took a long time to persuade them that this was the case but I eventually got through to them, showing them around the flat and it's obvious we have our own rooms and space etc. However, we have now got together in a relationship sense. I really want to be up front and honest about the situartion with the council but the only thing holding me back is what I had to go through in the past to make them believe that we were not in a relationship at that time. Are they going to accept there has been a genuine change or will they think I've been lying this whole time?! I don't know what to do, please help.

rogerblack

neopagan wrote: »

Are they going to accept there has been a genuine change or will they think I've been lying this whole time?!

Well, any delay can only make them more suspicious.

Write to them, outlining the course of events, and confirming that you went from not being a couple, to being a couple on date x.

lizzywig

They'll probably think you have been lying, that's just my opinion though and I've become a natural pesimist. That said if that were the case then why would you tell them that you had now got together. Good luck! Fair play for wanting to be honest about it.

[Deleted User]

Dear Council,

I wish to end on my claim for Housing Benefit with effect from (date) This is due to the fact I am now living with a partner and no longer qualify.

Regards

CandyApocalypse

You will need to make a joint claim for housing benefit if you both qualify. I would write to them as soon as possible, as they will think a delay means something dishonest has gone on.

In my opinion, if they were satisfied previously that you were not together in a relationship, then you shouldn't have too much to worry about providing you notify them ASAP.

You will need to complete a change of circumstance form as soon as possible, and be prepared that they may require 3 months bank statements etc.

neopagan

Thanks guys, I found a change of circumstances form online so I'm going to complete it and then follow up with a phone call so that I can elaborate further. Knowing my luck, the relationship wont last and I'll be back to square one again trying to convince them! Ideally I wont be claiming for much longer anyway.