Disputed Housing Benefit Debt

debtfreeby2013

lighting_up_the_chalice wrote: »

And THAT is the key point, the intention to return. HB can be paid for up to 52 weeks as long as there is an intention to return. That intention doesn't have to be carried out, it just has to exist while HB is in pay.

This (and a bit more). Housing benefit can be paid for up to 13 weeks in the absence of the claimant for any reason, not just violence but there has to be an intention to return. After the 13 week period, a request can be made for the period to be extended to 52 weeks on the basis of the fear of violence (and there doesn't always have to be police support for this, it is generally accepted as the fear of violence and not the actuation of violence - this is different to applying as homeless) but there has to always be an intention to return.

Did your partner intend to return? if so did Did she leave her stuff in the property from the period for September to 29th October? If so this could show the intention although it will ultimately be the councils decision.

whiffyleaks

She moved out, never told them (which she could still have done if she intended to move back), and STILL had the benefit paid in her name. How is she not liable?

tomtom256

From reading this she had no intention to return and was therefore not entitled. I presume she must have told the council this and thats why they have cancelled the claim back to when she vacated to her mothers address.

Therefore she would be liable for the overpayment.

Also if they had split and where no longer partners and merely just living together the claim was also false as it was based on them being declared as a couple.

As your gf is the claimant, she is the responsible person to ensure the claim is based on the correct facts and has the responsibility to notify any changes.

Did all her mail contiune to be sen to the rented property or did it get sent to her mothers addres?

ska_lover

She left an abusive relationship, started a relationship with you, and then you moved in together, all within the space of two months?

Seems like the benefit claim are the least of this girls problems.