Housing benefit meeting

Cliecost

Hi,

I've been claiming housing benefit from Bournemouth council for just over a year.

I claim about £118 a month. I just recently renewed it by signing a form and sending it back.

I've now just got a letter from the council saying they would like to visit to check if there has been a change in any circumstances.

Nothing has changed with me my partner if the children, since we started to claim.

Does anyone have any idea about this?

In the letter they ask us to have details of pay, bank statements and proof of rent payments to hand for their visit.

Is this normal? Does happen to everyone or do they think I'm trying to pull a fast one?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Horseunderwater

Perfectly normal. Gather the information together and prepare for their visit. You never know they may say you are due more.

Cliecost

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Perfectly normal. Gather the information together and prepare for their visit. You never know they may say you are due more.

It just seems like such a waste of council resources for something that could be done by phone or post.

About 2 months ago I went part time and my partner got a promotion at work but our total income was about the same as before, I called hmrc to advised them. I told them that the change might not be permanent and may change back before the end of the year (which it might), the woman on the phone told me I should wait until the end of the year then to tell them what we had earned. I assumed this was normal.

Could it be this which had prompted it?

mysterywoman10

I doubt if the call to the HMRC would be connected to the Council visit its just random checking from the sounds of it...try not to worry just have all the information to hand.

Cliecost

mysterywoman10 wrote: »

I doubt if the call to the HMRC would be connected to the Council visit its just random checking from the sounds of it...try not to worry just have all the information to hand.

I always worry about this sort of thing, in my limited experience with councils it feels that they seem to always think I'm trying to rip them off because the house I rent is my partner's mother's house but, I was very upfront and honest with them about this when I set it all up with them.

mysterywoman10

I always used to worry about these things for my daughter too. It's only natural even when you are honest.

Try and think of it as them trying to do their jobs, I find that helps sometimes. There are quite strict rules on what they called "contrived tenancies" which is why they may be checking. As long as you can show you have paid the rent etc. as anyone else would do to a "landlord" and any other relevant paperwork.

Cliecost

mysterywoman10 wrote: »

I always used to worry about these things for my daughter too. It's only natural even when you are honest.

Try and think of it as them trying to do their jobs, I find that helps sometimes. There are quite strict rules on what they called "contrived tenancies" which is why they may be checking. As long as you can show you have paid the rent etc. as anyone else would do to a "landlord" and any other relevant paperwork.

That is how I feel.

We pay the rent to her once a month via bank. Under the header 'rent'.

It's just not nice to have to let them in my house to poke around and make sure I'm not lying.

sammyjammy

They aren't going to poke around. If you want tax payers money then you have to accept that they may wish to confirm the legitimacy of your claim. I don't mean to sound harsh but I am glad they do random checks like this.

Teahfc

Cliecost wrote: »

That is how I feel.

We pay the rent to her once a month via bank. Under the header 'rent'.

It's just not nice to have to let them in my house to poke around and make sure I'm not lying.

Then stop claiming HB then they will not come 'snooping'

Cliecost

I would if kids weren't so expensive.

I know it was my choice to take on these two children but the expense is high, I fully accept it but, if I'm entitled to it, I will take it

I doesn't seem that random because it's basically been one year since it was setup.

I hope this isn't a yearly thing! lol

McKneff

I would hope it is a yearly thing for everyone to be honest, you who are honest have no idea how many fiddle the system. It is widespread, you would be amazed,

There are literally thousands of people claiming fraudently, if no one did these people would be out of a job. But life isnt like that.