What information must I provide?
In addition to the claim form you must provide the following -
In addition to the claim form you must provide the following -
- national insurance number and proof of identity
- evidence of earned income
- evidence of income support, other state benefits or pensions
- evidence of rent paid
- evidence of savings or capital
What do I do if my circumstances change?
You must inform the Benefits team in writing immediately of any change which will affect your benefit, for example:
You must inform the Benefits team in writing immediately of any change which will affect your benefit, for example:
- income changes
- household changes
- change of address
- changes to your rent or tenancy
Your benefit will be recalculated and you will be notified of your new award within 14 days of all the information being received.
When will my benefit claim be processed?
Once the Benefit team receive your completed application form, it will normally be processed within 14 working days, provided you supply evidence of all your income and savings, for example payslips, pensions books, bank/building society statements or passbooks. You must supply the original not photocopies.
If information is missing the Benefit team will write to you requesting further details.
Once the Benefit team receive your completed application form, it will normally be processed within 14 working days, provided you supply evidence of all your income and savings, for example payslips, pensions books, bank/building society statements or passbooks. You must supply the original not photocopies.
If information is missing the Benefit team will write to you requesting further details.
When will my benefit start?
Benefit claims are normally paid from the Monday after they are received.
Benefit claims are normally paid from the Monday after they are received.
Can my benefit start earlier than my claim?
Yes, in exceptional circumstances, your benefit claim can be backdated to cover an earlier period. However, you must apply for backdated benefit, and prove that you have a good cause for not applying at the correct time.
Yes, in exceptional circumstances, your benefit claim can be backdated to cover an earlier period. However, you must apply for backdated benefit, and prove that you have a good cause for not applying at the correct time.
Can my benefit be paid directly to my landlord?
Only in certain circumstances. Please contact us for further information.
Only in certain circumstances. Please contact us for further information.
What do I do if I disagree with the amount of benefit received?
If you do not agree with our decision you can either ask for a written statement of reasons (which may help you to decide whether you would like us to reconsider the decision) or make an appeal.
In both cases you must write to us within one month of the date of the notification.
Asking for a written statement of reasons does not prevent you making an appeal at a later date, although there are time limits.
If you do not agree with our decision you can either ask for a written statement of reasons (which may help you to decide whether you would like us to reconsider the decision) or make an appeal.
In both cases you must write to us within one month of the date of the notification.
Asking for a written statement of reasons does not prevent you making an appeal at a later date, although there are time limits.
