One of the most common causes for getting into arrears, is Local Authorities recovering overpayments to your Housing Benefit.

Changes to your circumstances can effect the amount of benefit you are paid. So always tell your Local Authority of any changes straight away – if you don’t, you may be overpaid and you may have to pay the money back! This is often done by reducing the amount of Housing Benefit that they pay to us.

Changes you need to report to your Housing Benefit department:

• If you move house or the room you live in
• If someone in your household moves in or out
• If your income/benefit changes
• If your Child Benefit or Tax Credits change
• Any changes to your family members income
• If your capital (savings) change
• If you stop getting Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance or Income related Employment Support Allowance.

But, you could be entitled to more benefits!

Some changes, even additional payments of benefits, can mean that you are entitled to more Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

If you don’t tell them within a month of the change, you may lose money.

If you would like advice with any Welfare Benefit issues you can contact us on 0300 303 2500 and we will be happy help.

Offering free benefits advice

We were in Basildon town centre offering free advice to anyone who spoke to us on 23rd April.
The Benefits Market Place helped 167 people and identified £352,824 worth of benefit that day and we were pleased to be part of it.