Can anyone tell me what this means?

matfoo

Hi

I am disabled, mental health, and live with my daughter in private rented property. Currently not working thus receive benefits: DLA, Housing Ben and Income Support.

Got this letter today from Local Authority:

" We are making enquiries into queries that have arisen on your claim for housing benefit and would be grateful if you could attned the office so we can have an opportunity to ask you about your claim.
on 21st Feb

If you are unable to attend please contact the office so we can make another appointment.


I am kinda freaked out, what does it mean? I suffer bipolar with post traumatic stress disorder. I rarely leave house and am concerned that this appt is some time away and in a strange place.

What can I do? Can I email them and ask what they want and answer online?

Any advice would be helpful.

Regards

paddedjohn

phone them and ask, only they can tell you the reason for the letter

matfoo

Due to my disability I am unable to use a telephone

MrsManda

How old is your daughter? could she call on your behalf to ask them why they need to see you?

If they're doing checks on your claim they'll probably want to see you in person but the only way to find out is to contact them.

They may be able to come to your home if you are not able to leave the house.

matfoo

I should never have 'googled' have too many things about fraud and caution have me shaking from head to foot. My letter says only what is written above, nothing about cautions etc or taking documents.

My daughter is in full time education, they are aware.

MrsManda

matfoo wrote: »

I should never have 'googled' have too many things about fraud and caution have me shaking from head to foot. My letter says only what is written above, nothing about cautions etc or taking documents.
My daughter is in full time education, they are aware.

*hugs* try not to worry too much.
I didn't ask about your daughter in relation to your claim, I was wondering if she was old enough for you to ask her to call the LA on your behalf as I wouldn't suggest it if she was 9 but at 16 she's probably capable.

[Deleted User]

matfoo wrote: »

I should never have 'googled' have too many things about fraud and caution have me shaking from head to foot. My letter says only what is written above, nothing about cautions etc or taking documents.

My daughter is in full time education, they are aware.

If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about?

When you say the letter is from Local Authority do you mean it's in connection with your Housing Benefit?

What are you afraid of?

Do you have a Mental Health Support Worker who could assist you with using the telephone or ring on your behalf?

matfoo

Afraid of? Dunno, stuff I read in press about anyone disabled being scrounger I suppose, now think they are out to get me and the google stuff didn't help.

Normally try not to involve my daughter in financial stuff but may have to ask her to call them, would rather it was sorted today or Monday not 10 days or more.

I no longer have a support worker, not many do, just GP and stacks of meds. (sigh)

matfoo

Realised letter is signed 'EBVIT' ? What on earth is EBVIT it's printed and matches email address for Council?

Elvisia

Ok 1) don't panic - this won't be the fraud squad, this is the compliance department. There is just something on your claim that has flashed up on the computer. It could be anything, and they may just want to check how much money you have, or your rental agreement, or something. You are not going to be dragged off by the hair to jail. 2) You can ask them to come to the house, particularly since you have a disability. If you can't get someone to ring up then you can write to them. Is there anyone around who could ring up for you? Those letters are automated and I think are horrendous, as there are many people in your situation who get in a right panic over them, and it's usually just a computer blip. I did a search online when I got a similar letter and I was horrified to come across a blog where the woman who had mental health issues had a similar letter and was considering committing suicide before the meeting, it wouldn't surprise me if one day letters like this have this sort of result.

[Deleted User]

matfoo wrote: »

Afraid of? Dunno, stuff I read in press about anyone disabled being scrounger I suppose, now think they are out to get me and the google stuff didn't help.
(sigh)

What I mean is, if this is regarding your Housing Benefit, then that is all they will be discussing?
Local Authority are not the people that decide if you are disabled or not. So you have no worries on that score.:)