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

TimeLord1

Keep updating it here; it will help others. I think you should start to see the changes by April, so just keep letting people know your situation rather than leaving it; then they'll see you're making the effort to keep all concerned updated. Don't worry, though; it'll eventually get sorted. For any issues, contact your local Citizen Advice. They hold a fair amount of power over councils and know who to bypass.

Neko1234

Thanks TimeLord1 I'll definitely update on here. Everyone is so helpful

whizzywoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936291#Comment_81936291

If you are already receiving Pension Credit then there is no reason to pay the Council Tax. You have sent them proof and you are not required to pay it. They can access DWP's data base concerning this and confirm that you receive Pension Credit. You should not have to pay anything and then wait for it to be repaid. They need to send you a new bill showing that nothing is due.

Neko1234

Thank you whizzywoo I was thinking that myself but didn't want to get in any trouble! This month is only slightly more ( well nearly £40) and the next isn't until 28th April so hopefully should be sorted by then!

TimeLord1

That was if pension credit was not applied for, but if they send a demand query, it's for that. And if they advise to part pay or wait until the claim has settled. Any overpayment is returned so you won't be out of pocket.

Wobbly_World

I appreciate it's a worry for you. If you contact them to explain, they can put a temporary hold on your account (i.e. for 1 or 2 months) so you will not need to make any payments during this time. Hopefully, within that time frame, they would have processed the updated information and make any recalculations.

Neko1234

Thanks Wobbly_World I spoke to them this morning and they said it can take up to eight weeks so should be done by the middle of April. As a previous poster said I don't think the time of year helps. At least I know they have everything they need so it's just being patient I suppose!

Neko1234

Hi everyone well I'm still waiting for the council to process my claim. I've got a much larger council tax payment coming up on 28th if not done by then.

They have confirmed they have all my proof of pension credit so all I can do is wait. Maybe it's not that long I'm just being impatient!

They received the copy of my letter on 26th February.

Thanks for letting me grumble!