Housing benefit home visit - anyone else?

pmlindyloo

jetplane wrote: »

If you work the benefit cap does not affect you.

Not true:)

It may not affect you if you are receiving working tax credits

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/the-benefit-cap/the-benefit-cap-and-housing-benefit/the-benefit-cap-and-housing-benefit-who-is-exempt/

redmel1621

jetplane wrote: »

If you work the benefit cap does not affect you.

I thought that was only if you receive working tax credits?

I am currently a trainee teacher, hence out the house 7.30-4/5. From January (hopefully) I will be a full-time employed teacher, but won't get working tax credits, presumably because my income will be too high.

From what I have read the benefit cap only doesn't apply if you receive working tax credits? I was wondering how these kinds of visits would affect me once I am employed full-time as I wouldn't be able to just take days off, like I am able to this time.

redmel1621

pmlindyloo wrote: »

When you say you had a review done in November do you mean someone discussed your circumstances with you and gave advice about applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment, etc etc?

From my reading many councils are being proactive about helping people who are affected by the benefit cap.

Personally I see this as a good thing. I do not believe this is a statutory requirement but something your local council (which is?) have decided to do. I think it is a shame to be so annoyed about a council that seems to be genuinely trying to be proactive in helping people affected by the cap.

There are some people who will find it difficult to manage their rent because of the benefit cap (we have had posts about this) and other budgeting issues.

Unless you have had help/support/discussion about this in November then feel glad that the authorities are trying to help.

No, it was just a benefits entitlement review. We had to fill out a form with all our income details and provide evidence.

4th November this was done, but we are being asked to provide all this again!

CKhalvashi

jetplane wrote: »

If you work the benefit cap does not affect you.

Only if qualifying for WTC.

jetplane

I stand corrected you do not have to receive WTC but need to qualify and if you worked less hours you would not qualify. My post was misleading as I assumed when the OP said they were out at work all day and had a job that they would qualify.
I assumed again that he was part of a couple as the OP said we received a letter, and therefore students and housing benefit can be an issue.
Perhaps the council need to check the family receive all entitlement, assuming they are a family

Assume makes an a$$ out of u & me

redmel1621

Thank you everyone

At least I now know it is nothing to worry about and is a standard visit.

Teapot55

paddedjohn wrote: »

Op, the benefit cap doesn't affect as many as you'd like to think it does. Even if they want to visit every week I can't see a problem, you want assistance so you should agree to the consequences.

The original post was querying if people had similar experiences and was this normal or not.

OP was just asking, not protesting.

catz1ct

I do not believe there is any requirement for home visits regarding the benefit cap.

It is more likely the council are wanting to make sure that everyone effected is aware that their HB entitlement will reduce. A benefit check might be to make sure that they have the same number of children on the HB claim as what is detailed on the ben cap notification.

micky2phones

Hi, i did see on tv that some councils were speaking to people about the benefit cap.

In some cases there was help for them from the council and advice on down sizing.

Which imo was good as councils at times have a bad name in helping people, this to me was a council helping people.

Kaspar5

It is really strange. I am receiving HB from Rotherham MBC, and have received a letter that there will be a visit from Job Centre from Sheffield, even we have a Job Centre in Rotherham.

Will ask a friend to attend this visit as a witness and will record it as well. Visit is due on 6th of March 2018