Can i just cancel my council tax benefit claim?

[gentlemadperson]

Since recently ceasing to be a student I have had my housing benefit claim reassed as I am now claiming income support and have been sent a letter asking me to fill out a form to make a claim for council tax benefit (was exempt as a student). However I've got to the point in my relationship with my partner that we would like to plan on my my partner moving out of their house to live with me in a month or two which effectively makes me ineligible anyway because my partner has a good job. Words cannot describe how relieved I will be not to be reliant on benefits; I feel losing my independance in one sense is going to be a lot less hassle than the nightmare time I've had being dependant on the state, the paperwork and the constant errors.

 

I don't see the point in applying for council tax benefit for the sake of a couple of months because for me it isn't worth the hassle of it all. I'd like to write to them and say I don't want to claim and explain my partner will be moving in soon. I don't mind paying council tax for a few months as my partner has already offered to cover this after they move in as I think it's usually issued as a yearly sum. Since i'm currently claiming other benefits during this period, my only concern is that they might decide this is all very strange and throw more paperwork and maybe even investigations my way! Does it look dodgy somehow? Can I word it better? I just don't see the point making a claim to cancel it the next week even if it is backdated for the last couple of months? I am going to cancel my HB etc at the same time anyway?

 

Am I being unnecessarily paranoid? You can tell I've been in the system a long time.

 

Thanks very much!

[citizenB]

I see no reason why you cant just simply explain the situation. In 2 months you will have a partner living with you and you are aware that from that point you will be unable to claim for CTB. Would they please ensure that their records are amended to reflect this situation.

 

Ask them to confirm your request in writing.

[leemack]

Unfortunately, experience tells me that if you inform them your partner is moving in soon, you may find your housing benefit stopped prematurely as well.

 

Unless exempt or not liable for council tax, housing and council tax benefit are generally a package deal. And although you can ask not to claim one at this point, it may set send up red flags about the housing benefit.

 

As you already claim housing benefit and are on income support, any form you receive should be relatively simple to complete.

[cerberusalert]

Alternatively notify them of a change of circumstances when he moves in. Even if you are only entitled to a couple of months benefit it is still your entitlement, besides circumstances may change again preventing him from moving in at that time which will leave you back to square one.

[gentlemadperson]

Unfortunately, experience tells me that if you inform them your partner is moving in soon, you may find your housing benefit stopped prematurely as well.

 

Unless exempt or not liable for council tax, housing and council tax benefit are generally a package deal. And although you can ask not to claim one at this point, it may set send up red flags about the housing benefit.

 

As you already claim housing benefit and are on income support, any form you receive should be relatively simple to complete.

 

 

Lol ok, so if i rang them up, cancelled my housing benefit and council tax benefit claim and moved my partner in on Monday they wouldn't be bothered in the slightest? Or would I still have to complete the claim anyway for the past two months I've been recieving housing benefit?

 

I would have thought they would appreciate me paying council tax. It does make sense however to not pay what I don't need to.

[id6052]

simply do not complete the council tax benefit form

[leemack]

Lol ok, so if i rang them up, cancelled my housing benefit and council tax benefit claim and moved my partner in on Monday they wouldn't be bothered in the slightest? Or would I still have to complete the claim anyway for the past two months I've been recieving housing benefit?

 

I would have thought they would appreciate me paying council tax. It does make sense however to not pay what I don't need to.

 

Surely if you're receiving housing benefit, you already completed a claim - this form should just be to indicate your wish for council tax benefit also to be paid. Unless of course they are asking for a full review of your benefit, in which case if you don't complete the form, your benefit stops.

 

I realise there has been some advice just not to complete the form, but some authorities will have noted your call as a change of circumstances, and if not returned can effect your HB.