Fraud and error in the benefits system causes customers to lose out on benefit, creates overpayments and contributes to financial hardship.
To prevent fraud and error getting into the housing benefit system, we periodically check that our customers are receiving the right amount of benefit. We review customers claims throughout the year, to identify unreported changes in circumstances.
We can review all aspects of your claim or look at only one area (for example, earned income). When we review your claim, we will write to you asking you to provide information and evidence
You may be asked to provide information on your earnings, tax credits, capital and investments. If you live with other people, we may ask you to provide evidence of their income.
Some income types can be reviewed without contacting you, as we are able to cross check the information we hold against Department of Work and Pensions Data.
Examples are:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Guarantee Credit
- Savings Credit
- State Retirement Pension
- Incapacity Benefit
- Employment Support Allowance.
However you must tell us about these changes when they happen. You must not rely on us carrying out a review, as this may cause an overpayment that is recoverable from you.
To ensure that you receive the correct amount of benefit, it is essential that you report all changes that could affect your entitlement, for example, increase or decrease in income or rent.
When we review your claim, we will give you one calendar month to supply the evidence and information. If you do not do this, your benefit payments will be suspended for a further month. If you have still not responded, your claim will be terminated and you will have to reapply.
It is in your interest to report all changes that could affect your benefit immediately the change occurs.