Housing Benefit

tn48884

Hi I'm just looking for some help if possible. My dad and his ex recently split up and had to sell their property due to the split. They both walked away with £23,000 each around 2 months ago. My dad has been given a council property. Due to disabilities he had to buy a new car, when I say new it cost him £1900 as his old car was going to cost more to fix (he relys on his car as he can't walk far). He was due a family member over £7000 as over 2 years ago his ESA was stopped but he isn't able to work (thanks atos!!) and he had monthly out going he couldn't afford so said family member paid it for him. He has also had to buy everything for his flat as he walk away with only a suitcase. He currently has around £9000 in the bank. He receives higher rate mobility and lower rate care from the DLA, a private pension of £219 a month and industrial injuries benefit if around £120 a month. He has no other income. He has applied for housing benefit on the 27th June but so far hasn't heard anything back. Does anyone know how long it takes to hear back? Do you think he will be awarded housing benefit? He has never applied before so this is new to us. Any help would be appreciated

pol-zeath

I think HB will be concerned that Dad has spent 14,000 in 2 months. Paying the 7,000 to a family member may take some explaining but I expect you know that already.

tn48884

Yea we are fully aware they will ask us questions in regards to the £7000. We can provide them bank statements etc to show that my dads income couldn't pay it but it was still getting paid so I'm sure thy will be fine. In regards to the rest of the money he has had to start from scratch. No carpets, kitchen appliances etc. Everything had to be bought new. As is said we are new to this so I was just really looking for some friendly advice

Housing_Benefit_Officer

If there is a reasonable explanation - i.e. paying back money loaned, new car and furnishing a new property then - depending on the evidence provided - there shouldn't be a problem - although it is down to each individual officer looking at your claim to make a reasonable decision - some might be a bit over officious. As for how long it will take to process your claim - that will depend on the workload at your local authority - it could take a couple of days or a couple of months.

tn48884

Thanks for your advice when we applied for it we put down full reason etc for everything and also stated we could provide receipts etc. He bought a bed which cost just over £2000 as it helps with his disability, big cost but helps him so much. Thanks again

Poppie68

In regards to the £7000 borrowed from a family member...I recently read an article where the claimant was refused on the grounds that the relative named as the lender couldn't provide proof of money lent. So the relative who lent a sizeable sum of money to your father may need to provide proof of this £7000 and which accounts and amounts this was paid too.
If he needed a £2000 special bed did he not have one in the home he shared?

Thomas_The_Tank_Top

Poppie68 wrote: »

In regards to the £7000 borrowed from a family member...I recently read an article where the claimant was refused on the grounds that the relative named as the lender couldn't provide proof of money lent. So the relative who lent a sizeable sum of money to your father may need to provide proof of this £7000 and which accounts and amounts this was paid too.

If he needed a £2000 special bed did he not have one in the home he shared?

Poppie. They are two most excellent questions.

tn48884

Luckily we have proof of everything. We can show bank account statements showing where and when the money was owed from so we should be find their. No he didn't have a special bed in his old property as recently his health has got worse so this wasn't needed until around 7 months ago and unfortunately at that time he never had the funds available to buy they bed he needed.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Hopefully your local Housing Benefit Department won't be over officious and accept the evidence you provide.

tn48884

So just a wee update.. We submitted all the documents, proof, receipts etc and got a letter yesterday to confirm that he has full housing benefit and only has to pay his water and sewage part of his council tax which is £5.60 a month. He is over the moon and I'm so thankful! Finally.. No more benefit worries for my dad