1st ever Housing benefit claim

eastenders2012

hi was wondering if any 1 could help me, i made my first housing benefit claim and i was asked for passport,proof of benefit income and 2 months of bank statments, i am waiting for the bank statments cumming in the post, the lady asked me for my sort code and account number? i asked why she needed it and she says she was'nt sure but needed it for filling in forms, i have never heard of giving ur bank account number and sort code to any1, the rent is getting paid straight to the council so not going 2 be going into my account, also can they check ur bank account as i dont seem 2 know why she would want these details if i have provided proof of why benefit im on and how much, thanks to any 1 who replys

[Deleted User]

sometimes benefit is paid to you and then you pay the rent(in some cases),so bank details would be needed
tbh if you want the benefit you provide whatever they ask for,not doing so may delay the claim or mean you dont get it,the choice of course is yours

eastenders2012

ok thanks, the housing benefit is gettin paid str8 to the council, just didnt no why they needed ur account number and sort code as i have never heard of this

salfordgirl

Not sure about asking the account number and sort code, but i understand them asking to see bank statements, to check that you are not getting any income that you are not declaring.

eastenders2012

yeah thats what i thot that i can give her bank statments to prove that my benefit is paid into account but she wanted to know account number,sort code and the name/spelling of my account name, i have never gave any1 my account details before thats why i'm curious of her wanting it, as i would show her my bankstatments wen they arrive with the account number and that on it but she wanted it before,do you think she can access ur account to see how much muney you have and what ur spending it on etc?

princessdon

It is my belief that when UC comes in - that HB will be paid to the recipient (who in turn pays their housing provider) so maybe this is why

No they can't see your account from those details, but they can from your statement so you really have nothing to lose. Those details are on every cheque you write and give to a stranger.

eastenders2012

Thank you was'nt sure if they could look into my account to see what im spending, when and where etc, or if the wrong person got my details as i have never gave account details out

Morlock

eastenders2012 wrote: »

Thank you was'nt sure if they could look into my account to see what im spending, when and where etc,

The DWP can access any bank accounts that you have, without you providing an account number or sort code, if fraud is suspected. See the Social Security Fraud Act 2001. The DWP can even contact utility companies to find out how much water, gas and electricity is consumed at the property in which you live. Not all DWP employees have those powers, only authorised officers.

Broke_n_Broken

They make periodic checks on your account balance to see if you're still eligible (due to savings).
Some accounts also have "flags" put on them, so if a high deposit is made it shows up on the system automatically.
This is usually done by computer and they wont see what you actually spend your money on.
They usually take photocopies of statements too, you should know these will have your account details on them anyway.

LadyMorticia

HB isn't automatically paid to the council/HA anymore.

I requested it to be paid to my HA but they still said that it had to be paid to me (hence the account number and sort code). My HA had to fill in a form to say that they are happy to receive the HB on my behalf.

midnight_express

Broke_n_Broken wrote: »

They make periodic checks on your account balance to see if you're still eligible (due to savings).
Some accounts also have "flags" put on them, so if a high deposit is made it shows up on the system automatically.
This is usually done by computer and they wont see what you actually spend your money on.
They usually take photocopies of statements too, you should know these will have your account details on them anyway.

How high would be considered "high" ? - just curious.