Affects on Pension Credit recipient

Changingtimes

Hi. Was wondering if someone could offer advice. My mum who receives Pension Credit,  Housing Benefit and CT support  For personal reasons I am moving back into her home. Her social housing landlord has been informed. Benefits informed so she will lose her HB and part of her CT allowance but in 26 weeks. Seems like a long time is 26 weeks correct? Also would she also need to notify Pension credit dept? I will be paying her rent and CT shortfall but wondering if her PC would be affected at all? Thanks in advance.

calcotti

She will lose her 25% single person Council Tax discount as soon as you move in so she needs to tell the Council tax department too, not just the benefits team.

There is a 26 week delay by law in respect of non dependant deductions for HB in these circumstances.
Housing Benefit (SPC) Regs 200g
Regulation 59
"Date on which change of circumstances is to take effect

(10) Paragraph (11) applies if—

(b)either—

(i)a non-dependant took up residence in the claimant's dwelling; or

(ii)there has been a change of circumstances in respect of a non-dependant so that the amount of the deduction which falls to be made under regulation 55 (non-dependant deductions) increased.

(11) Where this paragraph applies, the change of circumstances referred to in paragraph (10)(b)] shall take effect from the effective date.

(12) In paragraph (11) but subject to paragraph (13), “the effective date” means—

(a)where more than one change of a kind referred to in paragraph (10)(b) relating to the same non-dependant has occurred since—

(i)the date on which the claimant's entitlement to housing benefit first began; or

(ii)the date which was the last effective date in respect of such a change;

whichever is the later, the date which falls 26 weeks after the date on which the first such change occurred;

(b)where sub-paragraph (a) does not apply, the date which falls 26 weeks after the date on which the change referred to in paragraph (10)(b) occurred.

(13) If in any particular case the date determined under paragraph (12) is not the first day of the benefit week, the effective date in that case shall be the first day of the next benefit week to commence after the date determined under that paragraph."

A similar rule applies for CTR.

You moving in makes no difference to her Pension Credit entitlement.

Above comments assume neither you nor your mother are getting a disability benefit (DLA, PIP or AA). If she is please tell us what as that could change what happens.

Changingtimes

No DLA, PIP or AA. Just HB, CT and Pension Credit. Those are her only benefits. They tell us HB will cease 26 weeks from move in date ( so I guess that's when I pick up the rent payment from). They go on to say CT support will reduce by £12. 20 (presumably a week). They then go on to state in 26 weeks both these benefits will reduce. 
So do we need to notify Pension Credit? You say we need to notify CT is this on top of CT Benefits who are already aware? Just want to make sure we notify all who need to be notified.

calcotti

Changingtimes said:

They tell us HB will cease 26 weeks from move in date ( so I guess that's when I pick up the rent payment from). 

You can see the amount of non-dependant deductions here https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non-dependants
I infer your earnings are at the high end and therefore one of the higher deductions apply. If the deduction is more than her rent then her HB will indeed end.
Note that the deductions will increase in April so a slightly higher amount will apply in 26 weeks time.

Changingtimes said:

They go on to say CT support will reduce by £12. 20 (presumably a week). 

Yes that will be a weekly amount

Changingtimes said:

So do we need to notify Pension Credit? 

No, you moving in does not affect her PC.

Changingtimes said:

You say we need to notify CT is this on top of CT Benefits who are already aware? 

To beside I would. Benefits may not have told CT.

Changingtimes

Just need to ask for more advice again on this subject.
Ok so we sorted out the benefits and was advised from 22nd August HB will cease (26 weeks from change). Same for CTax. So that's when I would start paying from. All sorted until today!
Now this letter states they have worked out HB and CT benefit from 13th April will be zero HB but still entitled to CT support of £9.65. Checked the account online and they have payment listed for 7th of every month commencing 7th April. Does this mean they are no longer applying the 26 week rule? I never claimed benefits before personally but this is all so confusing and my poor mum doesn't understand it all either.
Any advice would be welcomed.

calcotti

Without seeing the calculations it’s difficult to comment. I think you need to ring them and ask them to explain it to you. It maybe that in calculating the revised entitlement from 6th April they have overlooked that the 26 week rule was applicable.

Changingtimes

The figures seem correct it just seems to be they are stopping the benefit now instead of the 26 weeks.  Calculation HB zero which is right due to salary and deducted £12.20 from CT weekly also taken off 25% discount. Just the dates.......in earlier corresponds they advised the 26 weeks so will be August, but latest doesn't mention the 26 weeks. Your right I guess will have to remind them and hope it's an oversight. Thank you as always,