Surprise Visit by Housing Benefits Team - I was out - sounds ominous - will they evict me?

[nickk]

I got a letter:

i visited you today because your Housing Benefit is affected by local housing allowance caps...

 

I already know they're reducing my Housing Benefit to £90/week (central London) - this will happen in a couple of weeks time. They told me this ages ago, i'm not sure why they are now coming to see me?

 

As the HB will be lower than my rent, will they make me leave by private landlord? I had assumed they would be okay if I just made up for the deficit myself, somehow. (My rent is, and has been, lower than HB for some time. In a few weeks time it will become much, much lower)

 

They want me to arrange an appointment for them to visit. Which is fine, I just need to tidy up! My bedroom is messy and needs to be cleaned. I would have been so embarrased if I had been in, earlier today.

 

If we don't hear from you within one week of the date of this lettter, we will suspend your claim

[estellyn]

No they can't evict you, only your landlord can do that. They're probably just doing a compliance visit - to check your property is what you say it is in order to ensure the cap is right. Just phone immediately and arrange an appointment - and tidy your bedroom:-)

[rainbo]

...and to make sure that all the details you've given are correct (ie: how many people you live with) and that you are the person you say you are.

 

And yes, tidy your room

[nickk]

Thanks very much, all

 

I have done that.

 

I left my phone number with the guy. He said it was related to the April 2013 benefit caps, which I didn't know about. I googled it, seems it's this universal credit thing. (I don't think it will effect me - I get JSA and HB, so I don't mind if they merge them)

 

I now await their call to reschedule. I hope O2 don't cut me off (my bill payment is late!)

[liverbird37]

Yes, they have been visiting a couple of friends of mine too. From April 2013, anybody whose total amount of benefits (including housing benefit & council tax benefit) is over the cap of £500 per week, will be having the amount they are over, deducted from their housing benefit, and will have to meet the shortfall themselves.

 

You think your room is untidy....well, you ain't seen mine lol

[speedfreek]

Single person cap will be around the £350 mark. There are exceptions form it for certain other benefits.

 

See here http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2012/may-2012/dwp046-12.shtml

[worried33]

How is frued a minister when he isnt elected?