Housing Benefit
How to Make a Claim All claims for Housing Benefit must be made in writing on the appropriate claim form. These claim forms are available from the local Authority office in your area. It is important that any claim form is submitted as soon as possible as payments are not normally backdated prior to the local authorities receipt of your form. You need to provide information to support your claim, for example wage slips, tenancy agreements, building society paying in book. It is important that you provide any information requested within the time scale given by the Housing Benefit department as failure to do so may lead to your claim not being processed and you will then be responsible for any rent arrears on your rent account. Payment of Housing Benefit (Rent Allowance) Payment of Housing Benefit, also called rent allowance, is normally paid either fortnightly or four weekly in arrears, depending on your Local Authority. Granta Housing Society prefer that all Housing Benefit is paid direct to us but you can request payment to yourself and then pay us immediately once you receive it. You will still need to ensure that your claim is renewed when due and that you advise the Housing Benefit department of any changes in your circumstances which might affect your benefit entitlement. Overpayments If the information you give to the Local Authority to calculate your entitlement is wrong or if you do not report a change in your circumstances, you could be paid too much benefit. You could also be overpaid as a result of an official error which is not your fault. If an overpayment occurs you will be liable to reimburse Granta for any rent arrears which arise as a result of benefit being re-paid. Welfare Benefits and Money Advice If you require detailed advice to assist you to claim any extra welfare benefits or to resolve your financial difficulties, the Society would recommend you visit your local Citizen's Advice Bureau. Although your Housing Officer can give you such advice, you may wish to approach the CAB (or any similar organisation) for independent advice.
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