Does Housing Benefit need to be paid back?

Your Housing Benefit is paid to your landlord Your landlord will then ask you to pay the money back on top of your rent. The overpayment doesn’t count as rent arrears, so the council can’t evict you – but you’ll still need to pay off the debt.

Is a Housing Benefit overpayment a priority debt?

Benefit debt is classed as a priority debt. This means the consequences of not paying it off are more serious. Other priority debts include rent arrears, overdue energy bills and unpaid Council Tax. If you’ve got more than one priority debt, it’s important to get advice as soon as possible.

How long can DWP claim money back?

Claimants can ask HMRC to repay over any period up to 10 years without providing full income and expenditure details. HMRC will not automatically accept any offer up to 10 years and they will want to confirm income/expenditure.

Can you make a new claim for Housing Benefit?

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply: If you’re single you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit. You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if any of the following apply:

What to do if your housing benefit is stopped?

If your circumstances change and your Housing Benefit is stopped, you cannot start getting it again unless you and your partner are eligible to make a new claim. You can apply for Universal Credit if you’re not eligible. You can make a new claim if:

When do I need to apply for Housing Benefit backdated?

You could still be eligible to get Housing Benefit. You can ask for your claim to be backdated to 12 May or before. You’ll need to apply by 13 August 2019 to do this. You can apply for Universal Credit instead if you’re still not eligible.

What makes you not eligible for Housing Benefit?

Usually, you will not get Housing Benefit if: your savings are over £16,000 – unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit you’re already claiming Universal Credit (unless you’re in temporary or supported housing) you’re subject to immigration control and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds

What do I need to make a Housing Benefit claim?

You’ll need to provide some information and evidence to support your claim for Housing Benefit. You’ll get Housing Benefit faster if you have this available when you make your claim. whether anything else is included in the rent, such as water, gas or electricity charges

Is it best for one partner to claim Housing Benefit?

If one of you gets ESA, it’s usually best for the other partner to claim Housing Benefit. Otherwise there’s a chance you’ll get less money. If no-one gets ESA, It doesn’t usually matter who makes the claim for Housing Benefit.

Do you have to backdate your Housing Benefit claim?

You’ll need a good reason for not claiming earlier – for example if a close relative died or the council gave you the wrong advice about Housing Benefit. If neither of you gets Income Support, income-related ESA or income-based JSA, your claim can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Where do I go to pay back my housing benefit?

You can find your council’s contact details on GOV.UK. How you’ll pay the money back depends on whether your Housing Benefit is paid to you or your landlord. The council will usually take a basic amount of up to £11.25 each week.