Non -dependent protection has ended for housing benefit even though circumstances haven't changed???

cdc85
cdc85 Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener
in Housing and independent living

Hi there folks,

I wonder if any of the great minds on this site might be able to assist with a letter my Mum received with regards to her housing benefit claim. I have been living with my Mum who claims state pension all my life as a non-dependent and have always been in receipt of ESA (now UC) and PIP due to long term ill health from a brain tumour and severe mental health. Upon filling in and returning her latest housing benefit review form along with all the supporting evidence we were shocked to see that my non-dependent entitlement has been stopped and that now I am expected to pay my Mum's full rent and council tax even though as mentioned our current circumstances have not changed from the previous review 6 months ago.

I'm not sure if I am wrong in thinking that if someone is in receipt of benefits whether they are claiming housing benefit or as a non-dependent that you are expected to pay full rent and council tax? I have always contributed £19.65 a week to my Mum's housing benefit and upon using numerous benefit calculators they have all come back with the same conclusion that my non-dependent element should not have been stopped!!!

My Mum is awaiting a reply from ageUK and has an appointment at citizens advice this week. Just thought I would see if anybody might be able to offer any more advice.

Thanks in advance and enjoy your weekend.

Craig

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,774 Championing
    edited August 24

    You could look at your local authority website, and go through the policy documents to see if you can spot what might have happened.

    I know Council Tax Reduction is decided on at a local level, with each area having different rules, meaning advising on individual cases from here is difficult.

    I'm not sure if HB rules are national, or again set locally.

    Hopefully Citizens Advice will be of assistance 😊

  • cdc85
    cdc85 Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener

    Hi Kimi87

    Thanks for your reply, I have tried that option previously and there are no documents listed on Broxtowe councils website with regards to our predicament, it is just basic rules on applying for housing benefit, reporting changes and fraud etc. As mentioned we can't get our heads around all entitlements ending with regards to no changes in our circumstances?

    We will keep investigating and hopefully after writing to the council will get a more detailed explanation.

    Thanks again,

    Craig

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