State pension increase and housing benefit

playlister82

My mum claims state pension and housing benefit, and has apparently been told she needs to reapply for housing benefit every year due to the change in income brought about by the annual state pension increase. She's happy to do this, but I want to check if it's correct.

I can't help wondering why the benefits office at her local council can't just find out what the state pension increase is and apply the change to her HB automatically? Since reapplying means having to fill out an online form and submit evidence online (or spend hours at the council office filling everything out in person) she will need my help with this - what happens to pensioners who aren't online and don't have someone to help them? It maybe me but I would've thought that a system could be set up to make it easier for them, rather than risk overpaying thousands of pensioners in housing benefit every time the state pension goes up, if they don't inform the council of the change immediately on the day it happens...

tacpot12

I doubt she has to reapply. It's more likely that she just has to inform them of the change of circumstances. Ideally, she would get an email address for the Housing Benefit office and can then just email them every April. Not all central and local government systems are as well connected as they should be.

I would recommend calling the council and asking the question yourself, just to be sure. If you can't get an answer, email her local councillor.  

Newcad

playlister82 said:

..... apparently been told she needs to reapply for housing benefit every year due to the change in income brought about by the annual state pension increase.

I think that "apparently" is the important word here.

Who told her that and in what context?

As said it should just be report a change and not a whole new application.

luvchocolate

When I recieved my increased rent amount from April..I went onto my benefit account and filled in the change of circumstances and including the letter from my house provider 

luvchocolate

Sorry just re read this and the council are informed of state pension rises. 
My house is with an association so they don't know about rent increases 
.
They would if council housing 

badmemory

Not all bits of the state pension increase at the same rate, so no-one can assume your new rate.  Also even if a council tenant & councils are normally notified of your new rate you should still notify them as I am sure it is part of their t&cs that they should be notified of changes in circumstances.

luvchocolate

badmemory said:

Not all bits of the state pension increase at the same rate, so no-one can assume your new rate.  Also even if a council tenant & councils are normally notified of your new rate you should still notify them as I am sure it is part of their t&cs that they should be notified of changes in circumstances.

Last year March time I called in to notify them of increased rent and state pension..plus small works pension reduction due to tax from SP. 
They told me there are notified of SP increases so no need for me to 
Mine is a different amount due to deferring for 2 years and my online account is correct 
Unfortunately no more face to face, all online now 

badmemory

I know that is what they say but I do not believe that is the agreement you sign up to.  If they get it wrong & you haven't notified them it will be your fault not theirs.  Unfortunately we live in times when you need to watch your back.

TimeLord1

It's just to report any changes in income and rent you can just email a letter of date's and amounts sending photos to the specific claim. Claim Reference number to be added in subject bar.

luvchocolate

The Gov site says they inform councils on state pension increases 
We also get a letter with all the information in April ..so anything wrong contact them. 
I'm fine checking details on my benefit account online although I do appreciate it's not easy for some people 

poppasmurf_bewdley

I get State Pension plus Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.  I don't have to do anything. DWP informs the Local Council of my new Pension at the same time it informs me, and I get my bill from the council with all the new figures.