How to cancel Housing Benefit for aunt

EddieBo

My (pension credit) aunt and her disabled daughter lost their husband/father 2 years ago and I've decided after some thought to ask her to move in with me as I don't feel comfortable with them being alone - she's getting older and I think she's lonely.

How will her council view this and will they ask her to pay back the benefit she received since her husband passed away because technically, I could have asked her to move in with me back then. I had thought about it but she wasn't keen (and still isn't especially, but sees why it might be a good idea). She wanted to retain some independence and though her area is rough, she's close to her GP which she likes.

It'll be a tight squeeze in my place but we'll manage.

Any thoughts from the forum on how to convey this to the council/Housing Benefit without them asking for 2+ years rent back? (Not sure I can foot that bill!)

EddieBo

I meant to say ask her aunt AND my disabled cousin(!)

specialboy

The benefit will be cancelled from when her circumstances change ie when she moves in with you.

Poppie68

Unless she has been claiming housing benefit and wasn't entitled to it there is no reason she would need to repay anything...
No law to say she had to move in with a relative when her husband died....so all I can say is good luck...

TELLIT01

Thankfully we don't yet have 'Thought Police' so what you considered doing but didn't follow through with is not going to have any effect. It wouldn't have any effect even if you told the HB office that you had thought about doing it a couple of years ago. Don't worry about it.

EddieBo

Thank you all.

I'll draft some letter with my aunt both for the council and for the landlord.

allen35

Before cancelling HB be aware of the notice she has to give her LL, this could be 2 weeks or more probably 1 month depending on the tenancy agreeement.

If it is 1 month may be better putting things on hold and staying put to ensure there is no bill and your aunt can receive HB until she actually leaves.


This will give you time to move her belongings gradually without the stress of moving everything in such a short time.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

EddieBo wrote: »

"... and I've decided after some thought to ask her to move in with me as I don't feel comfortable with them being alone - she's getting older and I think she's lonely.

You have decided after some thought that it is best for your Aunt and disabled Cousin to move in with you. You don't feel comfortable with them being alone and you think she is lonely.

Why should you dictate what is best for your Aunt and Cousin?

Are they happy with where they live? Does your Aunt think it is best for her to move in with her Nephew? Are they comfortable with where they live? Are they lonely?

You say it will be a tight squeeze.

Have you thought long term? How many years or decades will they be living with you? What will happen if you die before them?

Do they really want to give up the security of their home to be beholden for the rest of their lives on a relative?

Where will they go if your circumstances change and you need to sell up and downsize?