Flat

FredSmith_2

Hi
Can someone please help me.
My and my brother claim JSA and I have lived at home until about 6 months ago.

The JC would not let me claim HB as I live with my parent, so I put my name down as was given a 1 bed little flat around the corner.

My brother still lives at home with mum.

A few months ago my mums illness got worse (she has MS and claims sickness benefits) so my brother signed off JSA and is her carer. I have also been helping out at home to give my brother a break.

Now the council have wrote to me to say they don't believe I am living at the flat! They say they have visted 3 times and I was not in for 2 of them, and someone else answered on the third call. This was my brother, he went there for a break. On the other occasions I was helping out mum. I often stay here all day and cook etc, then go home. Or I stay at home all day then goto mums to help out at night. Its my time surely?

Me and my brother both use the flat when we need some time, surely I can choose how to use it and its none of their business?
help

paddedjohn

It is their business if you are asking them to pay for it. Do you have all the bills in your name at the flat? Is the council tax in your name? Do your bank statements go to that address?

FredSmith_2

Hi

All my bills and statements are they, except my doctors address.

Surely though they cant say you not there when your just out?

flashnazia

The JC would not let me claim HB as I live with my parent, so I put my name down as was given a 1 bed little flat around the corner.

Hmmm........

letthemeatcake

If you are claiming JSA you would be expected to be out of your flat and looking for work so that shouldn't be an issue. However if you are caring for your mum as much as you say in your post then you are not actively seeking work and they may therefore stop your claim for jsa.

You could claim carers instead of your brother if you think you are doing most of the caring and he could go back on jsa.

FredSmith_2

Why did I get a "hhmmm" to my comment about my flat?

My mum has a 2 bedroom house, she has the master and my brother I shared the other room, We are both in our 30s (I am 36) and it was time for my own place. I could not help out with the bills.

As for my JSA claim, I put in enough searching! I spend at least 4 hours a day doing job searches and if I was offered a job I would be able to start immediatly. I only help out now because I can! And it gives my brother a break. She has to helped to the loo in the night.

flashnazia

FredSmith wrote: »

Why did I get a "hhmmm" to my comment about my flat?

My mum has a 2 bedroom house, she has the master and my brother I shared the other room, We are both in our 30s (I am 36) and it was time for my own place. I could not help out with the bills.

As for my JSA claim, I put in enough searching! I spend at least 4 hours a day doing job searches and if I was offered a job I would be able to start immediatly. I only help out now because I can! And it gives my brother a break. She has to helped to the loo in the night.

So how do you pay your bills now? It's more expensive to run your own home.

FredSmith_2

flashnazia wrote: »

So how do you pay your bills now? It's more expensive to run your own home.

By being very frugal.

Mum has the heating on just about 24/7, has special food she eats (thats expensive) , its cheaper on my own.

FredSmith_2

Back to my question, does anyone have any experience of being challenged about where you live?

lighting_up_the_chalice

FredSmith wrote: »

Back to my question, does anyone have any experience of being challenged about where you live?

Social Housing is a scarce resource whose allocation is strictly regulated. Unfortunately, due to its limited supply and high demand, it is also ripe for abuse. Sub-letting, as one example, is a considerable issue. It is the DUTY of those providing such a scarce resource to ensure that it is available to those for whom it is intended. As such, they have conducted visits to ensure that a) their property is occupied and b) it is occupied by the person to whom it was allocated. From your OP it would appear that they have been unable to establish either, so they are just asking for your assistance.

Just tell them your circumstances as per your OP, and I'm sure there won't be an issue. You can provide evidence of energy use, I'm sure, which will indicate occupation, and your brother can confirm the circs under which he is sometimes there. Then they can spend their time looking elsewhere.

As someone who is now benefiting from social housing, I'm sure you will be anxious to help ensure that it isn't abused.

FredSmith_2

lighting_up_the_chalice wrote: »

Social Housing is a scarce resource whose allocation is strictly regulated. Unfortunately, due to its limited supply and high demand, it is also ripe for abuse. Sub-letting, as one example, is a considerable issue. It is the DUTY of those providing such a scarce resource to ensure that it is available to those for whom it is intended. As such, they have conducted visits to ensure that a) their property is occupied and b) it is occupied by the person to whom it was allocated. From your OP it would appear that they have been unable to establish either, so they are just asking for your assistance.

Just tell them your circumstances as per your OP, and I'm sure there won't be an issue. You can provide evidence of energy use, I'm sure, which will indicate occupation, and your brother can confirm the circs under which he is sometimes there. Then they can spend their time looking elsewhere.

As someone who is now benefiting from social housing, I'm sure you will be anxious to help ensure that it isn't abused.

Hi

Thank you for your advice, it all makes sense.

I have no problem with proving I live there and can prove it etc, it just seems they have jumped to conclusions already!

I have booked an appointment with the guy on the letter "to discuss my circumstances".