Housing Benefit Overlap - Help

NetMonkey

Hi All,

Firstly I should say that I have physical disabilities - rheumatoid arthritis - that affects all my joints.

From last November until 14th May I was in an unfortunate situation where I was living in a 1-room bedsit in a homeless unit in my local authority with a priority application for a one-bedroom flat. I was allocated a flat in January but it needed gutting, rewiring, damp-proofing and more before it was habitable.

I signed the lease on 4th May having been given a day's notice that the flat was now ready. However, due to my disabilities and the fact that the flat had nothing in it - no carpets, no furniture, no appliances - it took me a full week to move in.

I've now received rent arrears notices for the 10 days overlap and I need to know what the rules are or whether I would be eligible for HB overlap given that;
1) I am disabled
2) I was given virtually no notice that the flat was ready.
3) Had to arrange for carpeting, appliances and furniture to be delivered and fitted where necessary.

Oh, and I live in Scotland if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

pmlindyloo

There are circumstances where HB can be paid for two properties because of special circumstances.

See here:

http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/paying_for_a_home/housing_and_council_tax_benefit/housing_benefit_for_two_homes

Reading through it doesn't look as if you would meet the criteria.

However, there is no harm in trying!

There is a sample letter that you could adapt.

Good luck!