Housing Benefit cut - why?

[totallylost]

Hi

 

Both my husband and myself claim DLA and Incap. Benefit. We have had to claim housing benefit recently due to our personal circumstances. Neither of us are in a state to work. My eldest son turned 18 last august. He left full time education and 'went to work'.

He cleans part time at the school, 15 hrs a week.

 

The housing benefit we recieved has been cut by almost half.

It is said that since my son is now out of full time education, and a non- dependant, he is in a position to contribute. Ok, fair enough, so he may be. That isn't the question here.

 

I am worried that as my son is only working 15hrs a week, he may be entitled to income support? There is no way he can contribute nearly half of our housing benefit on what he earns! He isn't in a position to pay us.

Plus I have read somewhere that he is not classed as a non-dependant til he is 20yrs? Does anyone know about this?

 

I am pretty vague... sorry.

In a nutshell, I think we get 'too much' so the council are cutting back on other things.

 

PLUS, can some one tell me - I used to work part time but on the rare occasion I had to work extra. I was my mother's carer at the time and recieved carers allowance. Because I worked a few hours extra here and there, they want the whole lot back! About £550.00!

I haven't been able to pay them the full amount so have been paying an agreed sum of £5.00 a month for now. They have now stated that they will be stopping my Incap Benefit to cover the amount owed. (£100+ a month). Can they do this?

I know I owe it and am not disputing the fact. I just am gobsmacked that they want so much of it.

 

Thanks

[version302003]

Hi totallylost, have you informed the council how much his income is?

 

 

Also about your repayments,

 

Who was the £5 arrangement with and who said they were going to stop your IB?

[totallylost]

Hi

I am not sure if we have informed the council. I will do so just in case. Thanks.

 

The £5.00 was to the DWP. Now they are taking the Incap benefit.

Thanks again

[version302003]

I only asked about his income as if they dont recieve it they will automatically assume the highest figure possible when calculating the reduction. They did this with me but got it sorted once i told them how much i earned.

 

Regarding the repayment, it seems a bit harsh just to deduct the whole IB payment, maybe an idea to pop into CAB and ask for advise or act on your behalf.

Edited December 20, 2008 by version302003
typo

[totallylost]

Thanks Version

Will have a try.

Cheers

[Zamzara]

Also make sure the council are aware that you are getting DLA. Getting DLA can increase your housing benefit, and the communication between the DWP and councils is woeful.

[MARTIN3030]

Try this link.

 

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