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Failed to declare unearnt income

scousedave
scousedave Posts: 229 Forumite
in Benefits & tax credits
Can you please help?

I have been unemployed and receiving approx. £70 a week JSA plus roughly £70 a week towards my mortgage. About a year ago the mortgage on a flat that I rent out reduced but I continued to make overpayments at the original figure, the difference being about £250 a month.
I completely forgot/didn't think about the flat and didn't declare this.....
Can anyone please help and advise as to what might happen as checks are currently being made.
«1

Comments

  • Housing_Benefit_Officer
    Housing_Benefit_Officer Posts: 2,502 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Prosecuted for fraud and thrown in prison and you assets (i.e. property) seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act is a possible thing that might happen.
    These are my own views and you should seek advice from your local Benefits Department or CAB.
  • HB58
    HB58 Posts: 1,787 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    As I understand it, the issue is not just the rent, it is also the flat itself if you did not declare it as an asset. What kind of 'checks' are being made?
  • RuthnJasper
    RuthnJasper Posts: 4,033 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    I thought you were moving to Africa, though pending investigation by Social Services? You don't seem to be blessed with much in the way of good fortune... :o
  • scousedave
    scousedave Posts: 229 Forumite
    RuthnJasper wrote: »
    I thought you were moving to Africa, though pending investigation by Social Services? You don't seem to be blessed with much in the way of good fortune... :o

    All clear now...they got their facts wrong.
    Stll looking at moving but when the timing is correct.
  • scousedave
    scousedave Posts: 229 Forumite
    HB58 wrote: »
    As I understand it, the issue is not just the rent, it is also the flat itself if you did not declare it as an asset. What kind of 'checks' are being made?
    Oh yes it was declared..just totally forgot about the mortgage reduction.
  • Bogof_Babe
    Bogof_Babe Posts: 10,803 Forumite
    Is it the mortgage on the flat you rent out that you were getting help with? Where were you living then? I'm confused - it sounds like you own two properties?
    :D I haven't bogged off yet, and I ain't no babe :D

  • scousedave
    scousedave Posts: 229 Forumite
    Bogof_Babe wrote: »
    Is it the mortgage on the flat you rent out that you were getting help with? Where were you living then? I'm confused - it sounds like you own two properties?

    Yes, I own 2 properties. Im getting help with the prooerty I live in only.
    However when the mortgage in the flat I rent out I believe I should have declared it.
  • Bogof_Babe
    Bogof_Babe Posts: 10,803 Forumite
    I'm amazed that you can get housing help at all if you own two homes :eek:.
    :D I haven't bogged off yet, and I ain't no babe :D

  • Glen_Clark
    Glen_Clark Posts: 4,397 Forumite
    Bogof_Babe wrote: »
    I'm amazed that you can get housing help at all if you own two homes :eek:.

    The only way I know of is couples renting out their home, and then using the 'Help to Buy' subsidy to buy another which they live in.
    “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” --Upton Sinclair
  • Bogof_Babe
    Bogof_Babe Posts: 10,803 Forumite
    Glen_Clark wrote: »
    The only way I know of is couples renting out their home, and then using the 'Help to Buy' subsidy to buy another which they live in.

    I thought the Help to Buy scheme was only for first time buyers. But what do I know? Constantly surprised on this board!
    :D I haven't bogged off yet, and I ain't no babe :D

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