Bank statements. Do you have to show them? (Housing Benefit)

ethan123

Hi folks,

I am looking into the possibility of making a new Housing benefit claim.

If the council asked for 2 months of bank statements, I was just wondering if it is possible to not volunteer this information and still receive Housing Benefit?

I am self employed (low income, & W.Tax.Cr.) and suspect that the council will also want to see my last year's accounts - which I don't mind. However, bank statements are more personal.

Is there a regulatory authority for Housing Benefit which state that presenting bank statements isn't necessary to receive H.B.?

... I ask because sometimes, what a gov. department say, and what their regulatory authority say... don't tally up! if you know what I mean.

Thank you for reading

nannytone_2

they will want bank statements.
if you reduse they will not process your claim until they see them.
they need to know how much you have in savings to properly ensure that you are entitled.

HappyMJ

They will want to see them. If you wish to you can black out any of the withdrawal information if that what is personal. Don't black out any of the deposit information as the deposits could represent salary and they'll ask to see it again.

They don't worry about what you spend your money on you could spend it all down the bookies or even on personal services and it's none of their business so don't worry about it too much. You will still get housing benefit if entitled.

They know that some self employed individuals have a high cash flow and low profits so there may be a lot of transactions. Technically these should be listed on a different bank statement but not everyone always does that.

ethan123

Thanks guys
Much appreciated


... any more viewpoints are also welcome ...

SailorSam

The Banks try to do everything online and go 'paperless', so what would happen in that case. Most places that ask to see your statements what the origional copies so maty not accept one that you've printed off. And yet if you went to your bank you'd be charged for something that use to be sent out for free.

HappyMJ

SailorSam wrote: »

The Banks try to do everything online and go 'paperless', so what would happen in that case. Most places that ask to see your statements what the origional copies so maty not accept one that you've printed off. And yet if you went to your bank you'd be charged for something that use to be sent out for free.

They (council/DWP) do accept home printed bank statements.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

And don't bother not declaring bank accounts as they will show up via Data Matching at a later date. And yes we would look at expenditure especially if someone blew all their savings just before claiming benefits.

dippy3103

I wouldn't suggest blacking items out either- makes it look as if you have stuff to hide. The staff that process your claim will have seen hundreds and hundreds of people's bank statements.

ethan123

Thanks guys.

I have been able to go to the bank, and get them to print out the last 2 months statements, and stamp & sign them (for Free).

Though hopefully the council won't ask for them.

[Deleted User]

SailorSam wrote: »

The Banks try to do everything online and go 'paperless', so what would happen in that case. Most places that ask to see your statements what the origional copies so maty not accept one that you've printed off. And yet if you went to your bank you'd be charged for something that use to be sent out for free.

i had to give some bank statements to the dwp recently and they were more than happy with copies,although that didnt used to be the case

Cate1976

When I asked Housing Benefit about bank statements, they told me that all they need to see is the income going in so wages, tax credits, benefits. It's ok to black out the grocery shopping for example.

If asked for bank statements now, I'd leave income showing, DD's for things like electric, Council Tax, house insurance. I'd possibly leave ATM withdrawals showing but shopping in Tesco's I would black out.