Housing Benefit

[jw47]

Before the lockdown my friend went to stay with relatives. She has just had post forwarded on to her and amongst this is her housing benefit notification . In this the Council ask if there is any change in circumstances to inform them, one of these being away from home for more than 4 weeks. This of course applies to her as she intends staying with her relations until we are all safe to return to normal living. She will still be paying her rent will receive her normal pension and is paying for her keep where she is now staying so is at a lost to see why the council need to know that she is away from home for more than 4 weeks, Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mamyalynne]

These are strange times and they will understand , if she feels worried try phoning them to explain.


It's more than likely just a standard letter.

[albaqwerty]

Probably to do with council tax reduction
As Mamya says, probably a standard letter
This may be of help

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-with-your-council-tax-council-tax-reduction/council-tax-reduction-change-of-circumstance/council-tax-reduction-if-you-re-temporarily-away-from-home/

[Spicerack]

Councils will send these sort of letters out to everyone at this time of year. I'd say, just put no change.
These are extraordinary times that require measures people wouldn't otherwise take. Probably confuse their busy staff anyway.
^ I'm no expert but we do have them on here if you keep looking in.

[Mamyalynne]

Housing Benefit Alba.

[Spicerack]

Depending on where you live, perhaps, councils don't administer HB. Perhaps the OP is mixing them up.

[albaqwerty]

silly me, thanks Mamya.

If it's a double sided A4 form entitled Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, it's a standard enclosure.

[THECORBYLOON]

If she's not at her home address that IS a change of circumstances and
ANY change of circs MUST be reported even if it results in no change in entitlement.

If someone is outwith Great Britain for more than four weeks, the Housing Benefit can be stopped but there are instances where it can continue for a longer period.

If you're away in Great Britain, it can remain in payment as long as the absence is less than thirteen weeks and the intention is to return.

Having said that, due to current circumstances, those regulations might have changed.

Either way the change of circs MUST be reported and whilst reporting that, she can ask about how long she can be away for.

[Spicerack]

These sort of letters are to stop real crooks from abusing the system (and then standing up in court and saying 'I didn't know')
They're not designed to 'catch out' elderly ladies in times of crisis.

[THECORBYLOON]

It's not unusual for a temporary change to become longer and longer and then folk never get round to reporting the change.

They would often say they didn't know they had to but having to report any change of circumstances (sometimes only certain changes need be reported depending on the benefit) is highlighted several times during an award of benefit.