Housing benefit

Ashclaire86

Good evening,

I have been in touch with the council again and they said it’s an automatic system that only puts 2 children onto the claim due to government rules. Even though there are exceptions to the rules. It was up to me to point it out. But I sent off all my children’s birth certificates and they have information from HMRC regarding tax credits and child benefit which I get for all 3 of my children. I think I am fighting a losing battle at this point. Not sure what else I can do. 

calcotti

You need to appeal on the grounds of official error, as already advised.

Alice_Holt

Ashclaire86 said:

Good evening,

I have been in touch with the council again and they said it’s an automatic system that only puts 2 children onto the claim due to government rules. Even though there are exceptions to the rules. It was up to me to point it out. But I sent off all my children’s birth certificates and they have information from HMRC regarding tax credits and child benefit which I get for all 3 of my children. I think I am fighting a losing battle at this point. Not sure what else I can do. 

     Appeal (as advised) to tribunal.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/housing-benefit/problems-with-housing-benefit/challenging-a-housing-benefit-decision/

   https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_revisions_and_appeals

   https://www.gov.uk/appeal-housing-benefit-decision  


And copy your appeal letter (headed APPEAL) to your ward councillors and the head of revenue and benefits at the council.
Do it asap to avoid being out of time. Respond asap to any council letters. Keep all correspondence and a record of phone contacts. Keep going to tribunal if the council don't change the decision.
  

Ashclaire86

I know it’s been a while. But I just thought I would let everyone know who gave me advice, that the council launched an investigation and they had made an error which meant they back dated the housing benefit from 2018. They have put all 3 children onto my claim and paid back any over payment I have paid since 2018. Due to another error they had made. 

Thanks for everyone’s advice. 

calcotti

Excellent result - but you shouldn't have been put through the stress involved.