Housing Benefit Query

kittykat17

Hi, I don't know if anyone can answer a query for me - hopefully Housing Benefit Officer will be around!


I currently care for my father and up until June I was receiving Carer's Allowance & Income Support as well as Housing Benefit. I had previously cared for my mother for ten years until her death in Feb of this year.


After my mother's death I needed to get a job (not just for the money but to start getting my life back as well). I was very lucky and was offered the first job I interviewed for. 25 hours a week part-time - which fits in with caring for my dad.


After waiting for a year, I was finally awarded PIP a week after I started my job. In the meantime, I notified my LA of my change in circumstances (job). My claim was suspended as they are waiting for DWP to confirm that both my claims have ceased. I have not had written confirmation from either CA or IS as they are waiting for decision makers to confirm that I am now earning too much to continue claiming - can't understand why they don't just take my word for it but that's should be another thread!


Anyway, when I received confirmation of my PIP award I took the letter into the LA. They said there was nothing they could do until a) I took in my first pay-slip (done 2 weeks ago) and b) had confirmation from CA & IS.


My question is, should I get a backdated payment from HB for any additional sum for the 52 weeks that my PIP award was backdated? Will I still be eligible for HB? Also, I am waiting to hear from WTC as I am now able to make a claim as I am working over 16 hours. Couldn't claim before I got the PIP award as I needed to be working 30 hours+.


Sorry this is a bit long winded and I hope it is clear! In case you need to know, I am single, have no dependents (other than my cats) and live with my father - both on tenancy agreement and Dad receives the full LHA rate (£90 / week) as he is on attendance allowance. I was receiving £60 / week hb. Also, I am over 35.


I'm not being greedy but need to know what I will be receiving so that I can pay for care / help for my dad while I'm at work as well as the help I need to enable me to work (ie, help with washing and dressing each day) - which I have started otherwise I wouldn't be able to go to work.


Thanks for any help, information, advice. Su

Housing_Benefit_Officer

We would include PIP from the date it was awarded even if that was 52 weeks ago as inclusion would increase your entitlement due to premiums and if you were getting HB for the previous 52 weeks.

kittykat17

Thanks HBO. Can you tell me if I'm still eligible for HB now I'm working or if my claim will be closed once the LA get all the info they're waiting for?


Really appreciate your help.