ESA to State Pension and Pension Credits Council re-calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax Supp

Neko1234

Hi apologies for the long title!

II had an earlier thread on changing over to State Pension and changes to HB/CT benefits.

II have been very lucky in that my Pension Credits started right away may be because I applied for them as soon as I was allowed.

II have given my council (Liverpool) everything they could need but am still waiting for them to update my other benefits.

Today I've had a Council Tax bill for almost the full amount. I'm assuming this is just automatic while they get everything sorted.

What happens if I can't pay and they are still working it out? Obviously.I'll try my best!

Also had no Housing Benefit this month.

My pension/ pension credits started 18th February was able to send proof of pension credits 26th February so maybe I just need to be patient?

Thank you for any help or advice or just reading!

huckster

Suggest contacting Council and asking if they are still in process of making the other changes. This is just in case the actions have not been put in their in tray and your contact may remind them.

Neko1234

Thanks huckster. I called last Friday and they did say they'd send an e-mail to speed it up I suppose I'm just being impatient!

It's just something you want sorted out. I think I worry too much being on my own!

TimeLord1

Once you notify the council you are struggling and have an active claim being processed, they can often "hold" recovery action. This pauses the automated letters while they finish your assessment. Did you notify them?

Who is your landlord council, housing association or private rental?

What was you previously claiming ESA income related or contribution related or both?

And what savings do you currently have behind you?

nannytone_2

not the same circumstances but a ssimilar issue.

I moved home in February 24, so had to make a new claim for council tax support.support.i was told the delay was partly due to the new year's council tax bills being finalised, and that I should just pay the bill until they could deal with it.

I told them that I couldn't afford to pay the almost 200 pounds a month, and they escalated my claim and had it sorted within 2 weeks.

I think it's just an unfortunate time of year to be making a claim.

Neko1234

Yes I agree the time of year could be a factor

Neko1234

Thanks Timelord I was claiming ESA income related. I only have a couple of hundred pounds savings.

I'm with a housing association and have been with no issues for over 30 years

TimeLord1

Have you applied for pension credit yet? And informed the council about that application. Personally, any amount you can offer to pay the housing association will help, especially while things get sorted. You need to speak with their financial team to get them to also inquire about what is going on also. Applications for pension credit have seen significant delays because of the rush to apply for warm home discount. I have seen people waiting months.

Neko1234

Yes I have and am already receiving it. I was very lucky to get it straight away. I sent the council a photo of my pension credit letter on 26th February and have checked that it has been received

TimeLord1

Also remember you can pay the installments rather than one hit. They'll repay back anything that was wrongly charged. But getting the back payments dates information is crucial. Keep all your correspondence and statements.

Neko1234

Thanks I will