Didnt update housing benfit address problem

[housing1]

Hi I could someone please help.

 

 

I have someone that I used to help with their benefits ESA, etc.

Unfortunately I had to leave area for over a year and could no longer aid them.

I recently returned and as the person in question is extremely isolated due to their issues, they need my help again.

 

 

Thing is because I was their only ‘port of call’ they have made their situation far more complex.

They forgot/ failed didn't have the capacity to inform HB of their new address.

Luckily the scope of the room id address approximately soon after I left to a similar property i.e. single room. And the rent and the housing benefit is exactly the same. But last week it would seem that it has been stopped.

 

We are not 100% sure yet as we cannot phone until tomorrow but evidently the rent should have gone in on Friday but hasn’t.

They suffer from severe agoraphobia and similar and are completely disorganized etc.

 

 

Before I left the area I did all the paperwork for them.

If it has been stopped what is the procedure and what can we do to get it updated etc.

 

 

Would HB have written to him (at his old address) to update details and because he didn't reply stopped it?

Should we phone up and explain the situation?

 

It’s not like the person in question has stolen any money, as the rent (same amount exactly) has been paid to the new landlord each week)

His medical records prove his temperament etc. which the dwp have.

 

 

I’m assuming HB as least would be sympathetic to this?

The amount that is being paid is the exact same amount that would have been if re-assumed to the new address?

he had no-one to act on his behalf, until now.

 

 

Its a nightmare that could have been avoided had he some kind of support network.

 

Can someone explain the best approach etc.?

I’m quite happy to write a statement that I was the single person that always acted as their advocate and that without me etc. they were helpless/ useless etc.

 

 

I believe that a next door neighbor acted on behalf with the move but failed to help him inform/ fill in new HB paperwork etc. And evidently because the new landlord doesn’t accept dss (he felt it impossible to sort out the situation himself and instead just kept paying the rent to the landlord)

 

Can someone offer advice sympathetically (these forums can be harsh sometimes) thank you very much.

[mariner51]

We are generally sympathetic but should only advise on facts presented.

Without a POA or expressed written permission from your 'client', Council may cite DPA for refusing to talk with you. So attend any meeting with your client and ask to speak on his behalf. A good explanation may see his HB re-instated from hearing date or back dated to suspension date.

You had opportunity to arrange/introduce an acceptable alt adviser before you left the area.

[housing1]

i don't understand only advise on facts presented? i have presented the facts? can you explain? its a private client and he suffers from agoraphobiaso he wont be going anywhere to explain. It will have to be done over the phone?

 

 

can you offer any other advice? thanks for your time

[mariner51]

You moved away and app left your 'client' swinging in wind and reliant on others for advice.

Did he.advise you of change of address? How did you respond?