Housing Benefit Notice

[Jigsaw1970]

Hi,

I have got myself into a pickle without being aware of it.
2 years ago I was made redundant and applied for unemployment and housing benefit. when i found work I let unemployment know and rang housing benefit and told them. after that i forgot about it. However, I got made redundant again last year but never bothered with unemployment or housing benefit until I got a letter in the post saying I have to prove that I haven't been working. I'm a very disorganised person - and always get everything set up on debit order etc so that the bills get paid and don't check my statements etc. Well, I havent' been working but did work inbetween and didn't even realise i was getting benefits until i got this letter. What happens now? Can anybody tell me please?
Jigsaw1970

[tiglet]

I think the best thing to do would be to make an appointment at the benefit office and tell the truth - they are far more likely to be lenient that way.

If you try to blag it, or ignore it, and they find out they may prosecute - I'm sure you'll find they will be more understanding if you 'fess up.

Let us know how you get on.

[Jigsaw1970]

I'm going to ring them and have been on the phone getting the reduncancy letter from my previous work, etc. I've also looked at the local council webpage and they prosecute for this sort of thing. I'm so worried. Does this mean I'm going to prison?

[tiglet]

They can prosecute - however, they (and any court if it came to that) is more likely to look favourably on you if you tell them everything rather than them investigating (which they will).

It is classed as benefit fraud, but they may well let you off with a ticking off and a reduction in your benefits.

[Jigsaw1970]

Tiglet,
Thanks for answering my post. It's just that the value is for 18 months. As I said before I will pay everything back because I was negligent in not checking my account but this particular council tends to prosecute. They want to meet there targets and I am worried that the person on the other end won't be so understanding. I'm beside myself with worry. I was put off work (and that is why I became redundant) because of stress and depression. This is not helping at all.

I have to produce all the relevant information and I will be ringing them to tell them what has happened. What is the next step please? What will they be doing and saying to me?

[tiglet]

I really don't know honey - I would suggest meeting them rather than going through everything on the phone.

Is there someone you could take with you? it might be worthwhile visiting the Citizens advice Bureau.

[Jigsaw1970]

I've spoken to them and will be following up with a written letter detailing our telephone conversation along with the payment. This time I got the person's name who I spoke to unlike the last time when I just rang and took it for granted the person would put a note in my file.

Thank you very much.

[tiglet]

Let us know how you get on and good luck!