Housing Benefit query

Zakalwe

Hi again,

I asked a few weeks ago about the process of changing address regards benefits. So I've been offered a wheel-chair accessible 1 bedroom flat, which I will sign for and get the keys on 30th. Because I'm moving to a different region I'll have to apply to them for housing benefit/council tax rebate.

My concern is as follows: I receive ESA support and DLA, and currently 86% housing benefit (have a spare room) and a CT rebate where I think I only pay water and sewage. When I apply in the new region I have to supply 2 months bank statements. Because I have been housebound for the last couple of years, and have lived as frugally as possible so I could save, there are very few outgoings on my statement. Also, as soon as I viewed the flat I closed my savings account and transferred the £6k (saved over 4 years) into my current account. Add to that the £1k I had in the current account, are they going to look at it and see limited outgoings and a £7k balance and refuse housing benefit?

The annoying thing is this move is what I have been saving for. By the end of October, after buying carpets, furniture, paid removals, and all the other costs, there will be very little of the £7k left. I saved to that I could live my life again once I got a move, now I'm worried that it will instead lead to me being crippled by rent and CT.

Any ideas or advice?

Sorry to waffle on - The whole process is stressing me to the point of wanting to just hide away in my bed.

Zak.

pmlindyloo

Stop worrying.

Even if they take the extra £1000 in savings then you would only have a deemed income of £4 per week. Plus you won't have the 14% deduction from your HB because of your current spare room.

You are certainly allowed to spend on carpets etc etc when you move so if you can pay in advance for any of these that would be great to avoid any reduction. Just keep the receipts of whatever you spend in case they ask.

If you can't spend in advance then make sure you take your new bank account statement and receipts in asap to show them your expenditure and new balance.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

It would be reasonable for you to spend money on moving, buying new carpets etc. Keep receipts just in case they want to know where it has gone.

Zakalwe

I don't suppose it would help me if I just balance transferred most of it to my mothers account? She is arranging carpets and things because I have difficulty dealing with people, so I was going to be transferring into her account anyway.

RAS

No - that just makes things look fishy.

Ask mum to provide the bills and you make the payments out of your account.

Zakalwe

RAS wrote: »

No - that just makes things look fishy.

Ask mum to provide the bills and you make the payments out of your account.

That's what I thought, but figured I'd better ask anyway. I'll be glad in 6 months when I'm moved and everything has settled down again.