Housing benefit

destinymoon

I started getting my pension in august. I was sent my new reviewed housing benefit confirmation in July and set up new direct debits to pay. This started on the 28/8/23. I was sent a text on the 4/9/23 to say my housing benefit had been suspended due to change in age and circumstances. They said my pension income had been verified but asked if I was in receipt of a private pension. I am not. They also asked for 2 months statement. Why did they send letter confirming HB in July. Why didn’t they ask for this info then? I am now 8 weeks in HB arrears and it still has not been sorted. Every time I ring them they say it takes time. 

poppy123456

I find it a little odd how they calculated your HB before you reached state pension age and before they had all the information. 8 weeks is a long time to wait without any HB and in my opinion, it shouldn't take that long.

If it was me then i'd be contacting my local MP to ask them if they will contact them on your behalf. You will need to give your name and address and tell them exactly what's happened. https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

destinymoon

They told me on . Monday that they were dealing with those being assessed from the 31/8 and mine came under 4/9/23 which is the date I sent them the information. They said they are a bit behind at the moment.  I assumed DWP let them know about my state pension amount. 

destinymoon

I also understand there is backlog and told it can take up to 10 weeks for reviews of housing benefit at the mo. That’s London for you I suppose! 

destinymoon

just to add… I have also been told that HMRC and DWP do share information re your income /pensions with Housing benefit dept for them to review housing benefit 

poppy123456

Yes they do "sometimes" share information with your LA but this doesn't mean they can't still ask you to provide evidence such as bank statements, as well as proof of benefits.

destinymoon

Ok. Thanks again 

destinymoon

It just appears odd to me that they sent my hb confirmation to me in July, but as soon as it was my birthday, 2 days after, they suspended my hb and asked for proof that I had no private pensions, which I do not. They should have asked for this information sooner rather than later, now putting my rent account into arrears whilst they sort it out. 

poppy123456

Yes, it seems odd to me too because i wouldn't expect them to be able to calculate your entitlement until they had all the information from you.