Benefit investigation

cc74

I received a letter this morning from Counter Fraud Investigation Services saying a matter has arisen relating to my entitlement, which they would like to discuss with me. They are visiting end of next week.

What does this mean? Is there a way I can find out what they will want. I am a nervous person at the best of times. I have 3 small children and it the household is very mad when people turn up...(kids clingy and crying).

I wandered if I'd have to find documentation (bank statements etc) or fill out forms. Has this happened to anyone?

I know I have nothing to worry about, but I don't like being looked at under a microscope, especially with the kids around.

esalan

Since you have nothing to worry about, why not (1) get all your bank statements/savings accounts etc. together before the meeting, (2) perhaps get a personal friend to be with you in the meeting (or at least to look after the kids). Who knows, your meeting may reveal that you are entitled to additional benefits, so try and look on the bright side instead of worrying about it :rotfl:

Fran

cc,

Yes, definitely get someone to be there and if possible someone to look after the children ( can one or two of them go to family/friend/playgroup while you have the visit. Fraud is a criminal offence, and they would normally ask you in to their offices to do a taped interview if they decide you might have been committing fraud. If they do that, go straight to your Citizens Advice Bureau for advice - depending on where you are they might even be able to go to that meeting with you.

Sorry, didn't mean to worry you further! What do you think it might be about? (You don't have to say, but just think through the benefits you're claiming so you are prepared.) Good Luck!

bluenose1

Don't worry,
as an ex social security employee I have seen lots of these letters issued.

If you have told them everything you should ie regarding work, savings, partner living with you etc you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Don't forget you are only getting what you are LEGALLY entitled to so don't be intimidated. If you are nervous try and have someone with you.

Best of luck
Anne

cc74

Thanks so much for the words of support. I am claiming IS at the moment and have just applied for Housing benefit as after a year I can't financially survive any longer.

I don't have any friends in the area and sadly it's half term now. I feel I'm going to stress and that'll tense up my very clingy kids.

I wouldn't mind, but it's only been this last year I've needed to claim. I've worked every day since 17, (now 31). I wish I wasn't in this situation and feel like they will treat me like a lesser citizen. Oh I am a worry wart I know!

Curry_Queen

How have you been paying your rent for the last year if you've only just claimed HB?

This could very well be what they are coming to see you about as they may suspect you have had someone paying the rent for you and if so, what else are they paying etc etc ....

Fran

You are only allowed £3,000 savings before it affects your Income Support claim. You can still be entitled up to a maximum of £8,000 savings but £1 will be taken off IS for every £250 over £3,000. If your rent is (say) £50 per week, x 52 is £2,600. When you apply for Income Support I think you normally get a Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit form to fill in at the same time.

Or is it mortgage interest payments that you have applied for, which you can while on IS?

Have they stopped or threatened to stop your IS?

You should get advice from CAB.

Curry_Queen

Of course ... I never thought she might have been using savings to pay the rent

It could still be the trigger as to why they've decided to visit though, to check savings/bank statements etc, if none of her other circumstances have recently changed. It's just a little unusual that they haven't requested an interview under caution though, so I think they're either on a fishing trip (if they suspect fraud) or it's just a routine visit to check all is ok with her claim.

I've had a routine visit from the council myself in the last few months, regarding my HB, just to check none of my circumstances had changed as they're cutting back on the amount of forms people have to fill in now.

Paul_Varjak

curry-queen:

I think your assumption may be correct!

A few years ago, the DHSS (as it was then called) rang me and said that they wanted to call to verify my claim. They actually said: We want to verify that you are who you say you are and live where you say you live. (I think this was in the days before the envelopes with green stripes indicating no redirection of mail)

It turned out that because I claimed Income Support but did not fill in the Housing Benefit/Council Tax benefit forms they supplied, they though I may be committing fraud!

I did not fill in the forms the DHSS supplied because the Council always asked me to complete more comprehensive forms whether I filled in the DHSS ones or not! So, although I did make claims for Housing Benefit/Council Tax benefit the DHSS thought I had not!

cc74

Thank you all so much. I was at breaking point this morning, thinking what had i done wrong. But I have filled out all the forms correctly and had the benefits people to my house before, deciding what i am entitled too.

I moved and payed the moregage for the past 18 moths through credit cards and loans. I can prove all this, (i have whopping bills) I was hoping to be working before the situation got out of my control. Now I still have credit card bills and loans. I am now debating selling the house. (i brought a house with help from ex's mum, it's £200 less a month than i'd be paid housing benefit from where i lived in essex, because i've moved to a rougher area)

I just don't know how to make the situation better. I work to the maximum i'm allowed (£20 a week). This letter has freaked me out. I just don't want to loose the house as it's all i have to pass on to my children, and i know that in a year or so i will be a full time working person.

Oh i don't like being on the poverty line........... (i'm not a happy bunny tonight and have had slightly too much wine!!!)

Amie_007

Curry Queen's thoughts might be right.

The fact that you have only just claimed HB could indicate that you have had another income or savings during the time that you have been in receipt of benefit. If no savings or extra income is noted on your claim records, then the question arises as to how you have managed to pay your rent for the past 12 months whilst living on benefits?

I agree, that the visit from the fraud officer will be an informal matter, but depending on what is said at the interview, could turn into something more serious, it depends on how you've been paying your rent? Just be honest with them and have any evidence availiable to support what you tell them.

Try not to worry about the visit. You can arrange to go into the office to be interviewed if you would rather do this and I would agree that you have a friend with you if you are worried, for some support.

Good Luck x