Housing Benifit Failure and action

[SBOslayer]

Hey all,

 

I have been in receipt of housing benefit since becoming a part-time student in October 2011. I will be entering post graduate full-time this year, however I seem to be having concurrent problems with housing benefit.

 

I will have full student funding next year, however recently I incurred several rent arrears and as a result I was taken to court today. I paid off a substantial amount of rent arrears and as a result there will now be a continuance.

 

Housing Benefit have failed to provide the rent required for the last year. This is due to incomptence. I currently work part- time and am earning just over the fresh hold which effective entities me to full-housing benefit. Due to arrears, which have since been seen as un-founded by my housing association, I have landed up in these arrears.

 

I am planning on paying off the rent n full over the coming months as I have taken on a substantial amount of over time (effectively reducing the amount of benefit received), however they currently owe me a substantial amount and have been unwilling to pay.

 

So my question is really is there any action or further action I can take such as court to recoever the money entitilement they have failed to provide. This is the second time I have been on benifits and was lead to beleive any previous over paid amounts had been paid off. I am looking for some or any advice on steps to deal with there failure to provide the correct amounts each month.

 

Thank you for the help in advance.

[estellyn]

Appeal each incorrect benefit decision by writing a letter to the LA explaining how they have miscalculated. This will then be passed to an appeals officer and then onto a Tribunal if the decision is not changed.

 

Regarding previous overpayments, have you asked for information on where these are from and what you already paid?