Benefits frequently asked questions

Where can I get benefit and welfare help and advice?

Find out where to get benefit and welfare advice.

What will you tell my landlord about me and my claim?

Read about Data Protection and confidentiality.

I don't understand the Benefits Decision Notice that you have sent me

Our explanation of your Benefits Decision Notice may help you to understand it better

What do I do if my Housing Benefit payment does not arrive?

Report missing, lost or stolen Housing Benefit payments.

When will my Housing Benefit be paid?

Housing Benefit payment dates.

How did you work out the benefit that I am entitled to?

Our explanation of your Benefits Decision Notice may help you to understand it better.

I have recently received a Benefits Decision Notice - why have you sent me another one?

At the end of each financial year the Benefit Service has to issue a notification to accompany new Council Tax bills. You will also receive second notification as all the benefits have to be up-rated in April.

I don't agree with how my benefits have been worked out

You can ask us to look at it again, or you can appeal against our decision.

Why is my Housing Benefit going to my landlord?

There are a number of reasons why your benefit may be going directly to your landlord:

• You may have requested this
• You may be 8 weeks or more in arrears with your rent

If you wish payments to be made to yourself you must provide proof that your rent is not more than 8 weeks in arrears.

• The authority may have decided that it is your best interest that payments be made to your landlord.

Why is my Housing Benefit not going to my landlord?

There are a number of reasons why your benefit may be coming to you directly.

• Your benefit has been assessed under LHA rules and therefore we have to pay you Housing Benefit directly to you.
  More information about LHA payments to tenants
• You may have requested that payments are sent directly to you.

I have had a change in my circumstances and I am getting Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax, what do I need to do?

You must tell us immediately if there is a change in your circumstances

My Council Tax bill shows the old amount for Council Tax Benefit and not the new amount, what does this mean?

This is because at the end of each financial year the Benefit Service has to issue a notification to accompany your new Council Tax bill. You will also receive second notification as all the benefits have to be up-rated in April.

I am a social housing tenant and my rent account shows the old amount of Housing Benefit not the new amount, what should I do?

If you rent from Incommunities the Benefits Service will already have your new rent amount so you should not have to contact the Benefits Service with this. If you rent your house from another landlord you should let the Benefits Service know about changes in your rent.

Can a bank take housing benefit to pay my overdraft?

No. Banks are not allowed to use housing benefit or any other benefit to repay an overdraft.