Overpayment of housing benefits

techguy007

Hi,

I have a friend who is receving a small amount of housing benefit for the last 2 months. Recently he found a temporary job(2nd job) which might not last longer.
But he has not told the benefit department about this.
He is just waiting for another few weeks and inform the HB about the new changes as he is not sure if the job lasts that long.
He is ok to repay the overpayment.

1) If he doesnt inform the HB, can the HB find out that he is getting some extra money which should be declared?
2)Does HB time to time request the claimants to send the bank statements/salary slips to check about any info?


Regards
Thanks

help4help2013

he needs to inform them straight away about his 2nd job regardless of how much or how little income it provides all changes in circumstances must be declared as he can be done for fraud they can also do a compliance check any time they like where he has to show bank statements wage slip etc etc if he does not inform them it is a criminal offence and he might be prostrated

plus weather he pays tax or not depending on how much extra the job brings in HMRC would have a record of his second job and hosing benefit can find out this way

cattermole

The above is correct and he should inform that asap.

techguy007

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I will inform him to contact them and update his details.
I think he mighthave received incorrect advice from others as he said there are many out there that has never recived and overpayment letters or asked to supply bank statements/wages time to time to check the details

Thank you

techguy007

Hi,


Do you think if he updates the HB department about the changes there will be trouble for him due to not informing them straightaway?

HB/DWP does random checks or only if someone report about a fraud they will start investigate?

Thanks

help4help2013 wrote: »

he needs to inform them straight away about his 2nd job regardless of how much or how little income it provides all changes in circumstances must be declared as he can be done for fraud they can also do a compliance check any time they like where he has to show bank statements wage slip etc etc if he does not inform them it is a criminal offence and he might be prostrated

plus weather he pays tax or not depending on how much extra the job brings in HMRC would have a record of his second job and hosing benefit can find out this way

sniggings

they will find out it's only a matter of when.

All he has to do is tell them, they will not care if he's late in doing it, he just has to make a daft excuse like he thought he had and was just concerned they hadn't gotten back to him.

He could need benefits again in the future...

CKhalvashi

techguy007 wrote: »

Hi,


Do you think if he updates the HB department about the changes there will be trouble for him due to not informing them straightaway?

HB/DWP does random checks or only if someone report about a fraud they will start investigate?

Thanks

There's generally 4 week 'tolerance' period. Within this it will be statutory deductions. Outside of this, it may be looked into further. If it's a small amount (less than £25/week = less than £200) that is paid back, it will probably be overlooked as accidental error.

The PAYE systems and Council systems are linked up (I have a letter in my car handed to me on Friday by someone on a small amount of HB, saying their claim has now stopped), so it will come to light. Get him down the council offices ASAP, as it's easier to deal with if you go to them, before they go to you.

CK

techguy007

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.
He has already downloaded the "Notification of Change of Circumstances" form from the council site and fill and post it to them.
Also he will email to the council benefits section about the changes too.
**According to him its nearly 1.5 months since the changes happened.

1) His main job full time now is part time.
2) New Job is part time too
3) His rent has gone up in a small amount as well

Thanks

CKhalvashi wrote: »

There's generally 4 week 'tolerance' period. Within this it will be statutory deductions. Outside of this, it may be looked into further. If it's a small amount (less than £25/week = less than £200) that is paid back, it will probably be overlooked as accidental error.

The PAYE systems and Council systems are linked up (I have a letter in my car handed to me on Friday by someone on a small amount of HB, saying their claim has now stopped), so it will come to light. Get him down the council offices ASAP, as it's easier to deal with if you go to them, before they go to you.

CK

CKhalvashi

techguy007 wrote: »

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.
He has already downloaded the "Notification of Change of Circumstances" form from the council site and fill and post it to them.
Also he will email to the council benefits section about the changes too.
**According to him its nearly 1.5 months since the changes happened.

1) His main job full time now is part time.
2) New Job is part time too
3) His rent has gone up in a small amount as well

Thanks

I'd advise he puts copy of payslips (basic hours) with the form, and advises as/when of any overtime; probably at the end of the month, assuming he's still entitled to claim.

CK