Does Child Tax Credits backpay affect Housing Benefit?

[topcat77]

I've recently found out I am entitled to Child Tax Credits and have three months backpay due to me.

 

I am claiming Housing Benefit and need to notify them of this change of circumstance when I receive my award letter as I may be entitled to less benefit as my income has increased. Will the backpay I receive mean that Housing Benefit will have technically "overpaid" me for the last three months and they will want money back or not pay me any Housing Benefit for a while? Or will the new calculation just start from when I start to receive the tax credits?

[samsmoot]

I assume you were and are on a means tested benefit? If so your income should be well within the threshold for full HB.

 

Whatever your income, the backdated amount will count for HB purposes for the three month period it covers.

 

Not sure how recovery of any overpayment would go.