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View Full Version : HB claim closed; Council investigating. What are my rights?



bissix
06-04-2009, 12:56 PM
I'm very confused since I have been claiming HB for about 4 months no problem and moved into a flat a month ago.

This is where the problem began so im confused.

They are supposed to send me out an award letter and fortnightly payment slips but have had none and each time I ring they ask for my name, date of birth and postcode and tell me the address is correct.

Last Tuesday I had a phone call saying they wanted to come and see me about the possibility of getting more benefits and were polite and friendly and wanted to see me the next day(Wednesday) I said I was on holiday for a few days with parents and not back to Friday, They told me that wasnt a problem and what time would I be back on Friday, I said the afternoon so they said not to worry and rush back they would arrange a appointment for Monday morning.

I waited in all morning and no one came and so tried ringing but was busy because of lunchtime and finally got through around 1.20pm and was on hold for ages as there was no record of my new claim for flat being assessed so they said the account was on hold till it would be assessed.

But the woman tried finding out for me what had happened and all of a sudden a few minutes later another woman replied and said she was investigations.

She seemed friendly but im panicking that they think I have done something wrong(since I suffer from aspergers and other disabilites and get easily worked up)

So I worry that they will come round and try and trick me in an interview into admitting things I didnt do and if I try to object they will say they have the right

What are their rights? And mine?

EDIT just got a phone call from them saying its just a routine visit as I have moved and they are just checking that I am getting the right amount and if I can get more and the woman seemed lovely so I dont know if I am just panicking.

stef
06-04-2009, 16:00 PM
Hi,in my experience given the problem of not receiving your letter's regarding your H.B a visiting officer would have likely been requested to check that you are actually resident in the property.This is normal and routine in such a situation and so long as as everything is in order nothing for you to worry about

Michael Clayton
11-04-2009, 23:01 PM
I have an interest in helping people but I do not think it would be appropriate to go backwards and forwards with questions over a public forum. Your circumstances are personal.

On the face of it, there is nothng unusual about the way in which you are being dealt with but without knowing te circumstances, I cannot say much else. Please send me a private message. I need to know the particulars in terms of what has gone on. I will then suggest a course of action.

Once we have established the position, I will then flag-up the broader/operational issues on here so that everyone can learn from your experience.