Housing Benefit Payments
Housing Benefit is normally paid as follows:
- Every 4 weeks in arrears by bacs transfer where we pay your landlord direct
- Every two weeks in arrears by bacs transfer if we pay you
We cannot pay in advance.
If you do not hold the type of bank account that will accept bacs transfers you will need to open a basic bank account. Most high street banks offer this service.
If you are prevented from opening a basic bank account for any reason you should contact the benefit service for advice. In these cases it may be possible to pay by other means
Please note that post office card accounts will not accept bacs transfers.
If you are a tenant of the Council we will credit the benefit directly to your rent account. You will not receive a cheque.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
Under the new rules, one bedroom is allocated for the following:
• Each couple
• Each adult over 16 years old
• Two children under the age of 16 who are of the same gender
• Two children under the age of 10 who are of either gender
• A disabled tenant or partner who needs non-resident overnight carerwill be allowed an extra room
You will be affected by the rule until the date that the change happens.
For couples currently claiming Housing Benefit, both the claimant and theirpartner need to be under the Pension Credit qualifying age to be treatedas working age and subject to the bedroom tax.
… I have a carer who stays with me overnight
Where you have an overnight carer you will not be affected by the Housing Benefit reduction – you will need to contact Charnwood Borough Council’s benefits department on 0845 609 1258 to confirm if you qualify
.... I have my child stay with me at weekends
... I need space for medical equipment
There is no exemption for this, and you will be affected by the housing benefit reduction.
... I am a foster carer *
... I live in an adapted property which has a spare room *
There is no exemption for this, and you will beaffected by the HB reduction,
* however, in exceptional circumstances you may be able toapply forDiscretionary Housing Payment to make up the difference – you will needto contact Charnwood Borough Council’s benefits department on 0845 6091258 to confirm if you qualify.
... I have a disabled child/partner who needs their own room
Generally there will be no exceptions to the application of the size limit rules,other than the cases stated above. If there is a reason that an extra room is necessary your local authority may be able to help you with the extra rentthrough the Discretionary Housing Payment fund.
From 1 April 2013, Housing Benefit (HB) will be reduced if a claimant, of working age, is considered by the Government to live in a home that has more bedrooms than they and their family need.
Anyone of working age who is claiming Housing Benefit and living in social rented housing.
Last updated: Fri 1st March, 2013 @ 10:35
