letter from council to check benefit entilitment

raven83

stassy23 wrote: »

i think its a good idea because theres alot of fraud going on but they seem to pick the ones who are doing it right lol

Yeah, like me! Tbh i think it is to check that you are not subletting or have more people living with you etc. They can come here and see everything is above board- i wouldn't be able to sleep at night if i was on the fiddle, i don't know how people do it:eek:

Ellejmorgan

I've just got one a few days ago, take in id and bank statements and tax credits letter..it's just a check nothing to worry about...
Nothing to do with subletting as such just checking people are doing what they say and are where they say...

raven83

Ellejmorgan wrote: »

I've just got one a few days ago, take in id and bank statements and tax credits letter..it's just a check nothing to worry about...

Are you on benefits or do you work? I am not worried, was just a bit uneasy when they mention the word fraud, makes you feel that they are suspecting you of something, but i know it is just a standard thing they do, i got "lucky" this time.

Murphymycat

Both my housemate and I are on benefits, I am on ESA and he is on Pension Credit. We got separate letters from Council asking for proof of rent, bank statements and proof that rent is up to date. They said when I asked that it was just random checks nothing to worry about. I think all councils must do this now.:T:T

Ellejmorgan

raven83 wrote: »

Are you on benefits or do you work? I am not worried, was just a bit uneasy when they mention the word fraud, makes you feel that they are suspecting you of something, but i know it is just a standard thing they do, i got "lucky" this time.

I claim ESA , housing benefit, tax credits, council tax and child benefit..

raven83

Well i rang today first thing and the lady that deals with it wasn't in and the man that goes and visits wasn't in either. So hopefully tomorrow they shall call me. I know it is nothing to worry about as i couldn't do anything like that and sleep at night, but it still does make me feel a bit worried and paranoid but like you say they are just doing random checks.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

yes me and OH has not long had a audit check. the feller/lady will come in show you their ID, then they will ask for all you recent award letters/wage slips/bank statements etc, he.she will photograph your documents (so have the prepared and at hand) and then will leave you be, after a short time youll recieve the outcome letter usually saying everything is OK and your award is not changed unless you circumstances have changed, if you have been reported ASK, your entitled to know by who'm if they have left a name on reporting you.

raven83

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

yes me and OH has not long had a audit check. the feller/lady will come in show you their ID, then they will ask for all you recent award letters/wage slips/bank statements etc, he.she will photograph your documents (so have the prepared and at hand) and then will leave you be, after a short time youll recieve the outcome letter usually saying everything is OK and your award is not changed unless you circumstances have changed, if you have been reported ASK, your entitled to know by who'm if they have left a name on reporting you.

I don't think i have been reported tbh but you never know, do they tell you if you have then? I do think it is just a standard check, nothing sinister just would like it over with. Oh and a friend of mine had the same thing few months back, they turned up, she was out, the left her a letter, she rang up made a day for them to come and she said they were round for a few minutes and that was it, so hopefully it will be pretty painless.

kingfisherblue

I've had this check in the past. The chap from the council explained to me that they often send out forms and they aren't returned, so it is easier for them to visit. I had sent in my forms, but the CT benefit was up for renewal, and it was just chance that it was my neighbourhood that received visits.