Keeping Housing Benefit Going In The

Economic Downturn

A Workshop presented by John Zebedee which looks at key areas of Housing Benefit that require a clear understanding to help those claimants facing difficulties during this period.   

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No Regional Workshop dates currently planned on this subject. 
 
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS - Do you have a lot of staff needing this training and would you like us to arrange this Workshop at your own training venue just for the staff from your own organisation? We would be pleased to arrange this - please contact us for further details and availabilty of dates.

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As the number of claims increases during the current economic downturn, Councils are experiencing a big increase in claims – and also in the number of changes occurring in HB cases. Sensitivity, speed and good judgement are all skills needed with HB cases, and all the more so now.

The course is divided into five parts (although there will be time set aside to discuss other related subjects that interest delegates):

Eligible rent and services: For people no longer in work there have been new problems with the amount of eligible rent and services HB will meet. For example:

•  what are the current limits to eligible rent;
•  what if someone’s circumstances change;
•  the crucial protections for people who have lost their jobs – or who have otherwise fallen on hard times;
•  the way some Councils are tightening up on service charges – deciding that common charges (for gardening, concierges, and so on) may not be eligible for HB.

Commerciality and ‘sale and rent back’: These are probably two of the biggest issues in HB at the moment. If you have fallen on difficult times, it may seem quite natural to rent from a relative, or sell your house and rent it back. The course looks at the pitfalls and arguments in these areas.

Absences from home and HB on two homes: The third part of the course goes though all the rules about these two matters, focussing in particular on the following aspects:

•  looking for work elsewhere;
•  working away from one’s family;
•  avoidable and unavoidable absences;
•  moving home and when HB can be paid on two homes.

Getting claims going: With no money to spare, what could be more important than ensuring HB is awarded promptly. This section of the course looks at the time limits Councils have to work to, the rules about estimated payments (payments on account), problems with evidence, and backdating.

Keeping claims going: People newly out of work experience problems getting – and keeping – jobs, with the result that they may go on and off entitlement to HB with some rapidity. The final part of the course covers:

•  frequent changes and gaps in entitlement;
•  periods on nil income;
•  lateness in providing evidence – and special circumstances;
•  suspending, restoring and terminating HB;

The course is fully up-to-date with all the latest changes of the Regulations and case law. To get full benefit from the course, delegates need only a basic understanding of Housing Benefit.