Thread: Housing benefit help

I would query why they need your details for a period when you were not living there - I can't see the relevance myself.

In regard to not being able to speak to you, this is correct as a security measure but what they should do is try to establish implicit consent by asking you questions which would satisfy them that you are who you say you are and you are acting on your mother's behalf as her representative with her consent. Another way around this is to write a letter stating your mother wants you to act as a representative in relation to her claim due to her illness - but she would need to be capable of understanding the letter and be able to sign it to give her authority. Longer term, if your mother is incapable of managing her own affairs, I suggest you look into applying to become your mother's appointee for benefits purposes. This will mean that all correspondance would go through you (your mother could not make enquiries about her claim - you would be the person they would consult with) and you would have overall responsibility for her claim and keeping them informed of any changes. It's a big responsibility but if she cannot manage her affairs, it's the way to go. If she receives state pension or pension credit, the pensions service would assist you in applying and guide you through the process, as you apply through the DWP for this - it's specifically for benefits purposes.