Benefit Query

[numnum]

I've had a letter from the benefits saying a query has arisen about my claim.

Im really worried they've paid me to much and i'm due them money. I cant think what else it could be.

I split up with my boyfriend in August last year and have 2 children and been getting income support since.

I tried to phone them to see what it was about but the lady i need to speak to is off till next week and no one can tell me what its regarding.

My ex has had to come here a lot because he doesnt have a house he can take them to so hes visiting a lot but i cant see it being about that

Can anyone think why?

[boxtops]

It's really hard for us to say, we don't know all your circumstances - I'm surprised nobody else there can help you though! Is it worth ringing again to see if you get through to someone more helpful?

[numnum]

its very annoying no one can help me. the way the letter is worded is like theres something wrong and not a review meeting

[gingejbee]

When you split up, presumably you notified them of your changed circumstances and arrangements. Perhaps they "have information" that makes it appear that you are still a couple?

[ummmm]

When you say your ex stays 'a lot' how often is that? And does he work?

[numnum]

he doesn't stay he just comes to see the kids. i let him stay a few nights over the christmas and new year to be with the kids but thats been it.

[numnum]

forgot to say, yes he works

[bednobs]

do you have any savings or any other income they might be enquiring about?

[gingejbee]

It could be that Benefits Agency has "been informed" that your ex is staying with you (by a nosy neighbour perhaps?) and they want to discuss your arrangements. This is just guesswork, of course, and you will have to wait until you see them. Good luck!

[boxtops]

It could be absolutely anything, I hope that ou are worrying unnecessarily - but it might well be that someone's seen your ex coming and going, and has drawn the wrong conclusion.

[numnum]

theres no savings but we had bought his grannys house which i had to go into great detail about and provide lots of paperwork and it took 3 months to sort out my benefits. so they've seen everything they wanted to

[numnum]

none of my neighbours know i'm on benefits and as we live in a small place eveyone knows we've split up

[ummmm]

Was the letter from/about JSA? Or from tax credits?

[cazzz1975]

are you allowed to claim income support whilst owning a property?

[ummmm]

Cazzz....yes.

[tonywiltshire]

The position with your Income support is that an overpayment of benefit is recoverable if you failed to disclose a material fact or you misrepresented a material fact (i.e. made an incorrect statement).

You may also be in receipt of Housing and Council Tax benefit in which case the LA must not recover an overpayment if the overpayment was made by an Official error.

In my experience one of the most likely reasons will be that someone has said your ex-boyfriend lives with you and the DWP think you therefore did not disclose a material fact.
If this is untrue and you have promptly informed the DWP of any change of circumstance you should have nothing to fear, you can appeal against any decision they make within one month of the date of their decision letter.

You are obviously concerned about the DWP letter, they do write in an accusatory manner, this is normal, and there are many people on AB with knowledge of benefits that will be pleased to help.

[tonywiltshire]

Yes cazzz if you meet the other conditions the ownership of a property would not preclude you from claiming Income support.

[numnum]

hi, its been a few days but i good the job title of the person that sent the letter and i think everyone on income support has been sent this letter to try and stop benefits and force couples back together. there was lots of topics on other forums i found

we do own a house but the house value is that low and its unlivable the house that it doesnt' qualify. i think if the property value is over £16,000 then you cant get income support