Council Tax Benefit Problems

underclasspeasantscum

Okay, here is my predicament.

My mother, sister, and I all lived in my mother's property until six months ago, when my mother moved out, allowing us two children to live in the house rent-free, providing we cover the bills. The council were made aware that I am on JSA, and that my sister has no income (it's complicated.) I was unaware that I had to make a claim for Council Tax Benefit, believing that the council would work it out itself. After three months or so, they sent us some Council Tax Benefit forms but made me wait until 6 weeks before I could actually get an appointment with them to make my claim.

Well, they have since decided that ours is a joint claim and will pay me full Council Tax Benefit, since I am on JSA; but they refuse to pay my sister's half until she makes a claim as well. They have also refused to backdate it any further than 6 weeks since I first managed to get an appointment with them, meaning they have only paid £60 Council Tax Benefit off around a £410 bill.

So, they reckon that we, having a total combined income of £71 a week, owe them £350. I cannot possibly afford to pay them this amount--at least outright--so I will have to wait until the court summons comes through.

How can this possibly be fair? We live very modestly, unable to afford to heat the house at all. Any money that is taken off us will be a huge blow--though I doubt the Magistrates will care in the slightest.

Any advice would be much appreciated! :mad:

midnight_express

You owe the money. They aren't going to pay people who don't put in a claim. Offer to pay x amount per week.
You don't need an appointment to claim, you just fill in the form and post it.

Dunroamin

Ignorance of benefits is never a cause for backdating; you need to arrange a repayment schedule.

Horseunderwater

Why does your sister not claim any benefits? If she is ill in some way she ought to be able to apply for Disability living allowance and Employment and support allowance - assuming she cannot work. Of course she might not get these but it worth trying.

underclasspeasantscum

midnight_express wrote: »

You owe the money. They aren't going to pay people who don't put in a claim. Offer to pay x amount per week.
You don't need an appointment to claim, you just fill in the form and post it.

That would seem the sensible thing to do, but for some reason my local council insisted that I book an appointment first at their offices, and the only available slot was nearly 6 weeks after I received said forms. They also never explained to me that we would need to make a joint claim, so they have only backdated my half of the owed Council Tax.

underclasspeasantscum

Dunroamin wrote: »

Ignorance of benefits is never a cause for backdating; you need to arrange a repayment schedule.

I literally have no capacity to save ATM. The only way I could pay them this money they feel I owe them is if I cut off my utilities or go without food.

underclasspeasantscum

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Why does your sister not claim any benefits? If she is ill in some way she ought to be able to apply for Disability living allowance and Employment and support allowance - assuming she cannot work. Of course she might not get these but it worth trying.

She is incapable of work but has been refused ESA on three occasions, despite appealing each time. If I let her fend for herself she'd likely become suicidal. As it is, I'm applying for just about any job that pops up in the hope that I get an interview.

midnight_express

She should claim JSA.

underclasspeasantscum

midnight_express wrote: »

She should claim JSA.

She has been on JSA before but could not abide by the terms (some days she will refuse to leave the house.)

I appreciate the responses, BTW. :j

asdf1982

underclasspeasantscum wrote: »

She is incapable of work but has been refused ESA on three occasions, despite appealing each time. If I let her fend for herself she'd likely become suicidal. As it is, I'm applying for just about any job that pops up in the hope that I get an interview.

in that case isnt a disabled adult child the parents responsibility? why is your mum not helping out your sis until at least you get a job.

missapril75

underclasspeasantscum wrote: »

She has been on JSA before but could not abide by the terms (some days she will refuse to leave the house.)

So she can't or won't fit in with either of the two options or she can't convince the officials she qualifies for either of them.

So maybe try the DLA that was suggested on the basis she at least needs someone to keep an eye on her, ensure any meds are taken, food eaten etc.

Might that be an issue in the event you are out at work?