life just sucks!

It looks to me like they've just calculated the extra days in August and October so that the check covers the full period of the dates they've given. 

That's what it looks like to me, too. It's a good thing the letter is only addressed to him, since you shouldn't be receiving any benefits. I'm glad things are finally starting to work out for you. Those first few months waiting for the benefits to come in are terrifying.  It should get easier for you from here on out! 

That's what it looks like to me, too. It's a good thing the letter is only addressed to him, since you shouldn't be receiving any benefits. I'm glad things are finally starting to work out for you. Those first few months waiting for the benefits to come in are terrifying.  It should get easier for you from here on out! 

phew relief at last! Thanks Jewlz  . I hope everything is working out for you too.

Another update, I've just heard from my school's financial aid office team and they somehow got me funding for this year  . I'm only about £2,000 short which I'm hoping we can scrape together again this year. So I don't have to drop out yay!!

Yay!

Hey all,

I just got another letter that said that our housing benefit is awarded based on two people living at our address?  But I clearly told them numerous times that I'm under immigration control and am not entitled to anything. Does this mean that they're giving us more money because of me? Or would they still be giving the same amount if DH was single since we live in a studio flat?

Sorry I'm asking here but I'm not sure which part of the forum to post this on.

I don't know if this will be of any help, but the following link states the rates for JSA payments.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10018757

This following link gives a guide to what LHA rate can be claimed:_
Claimants under 25

Most single claimants who are under 25 year of age will be entitled to the standard rate for a room in shared accommodation where the tenant has a room or bedsit of their own with shared use of kitchen, bathroom, toilet and living room. This is known as the Shared Local Housing Allowance.
http://www.walsall.gov.uk/index/community_and_living/benefits/local_housing_allowance/lha_faq.htm#31535

Your local councils website will state the amount they will pay in LHA (Local Housing Allowance) for your area, for the rate you are allowed (ie under 25).

Perhaps you could print this off and show it to your council?
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/publicfunds/

The onus is on the claiment to say if they are getting something they are not entitled too and they will claim back any overpayents.

Don't forget that all LHA rates will be dropping in April too. From the 50th percentile they are paid at now, to the 30th percentile.

Thanks Peter.

turns out they're overpaying us by like £99/month because DH is under 25 and not entitled to one bedroom LHA. This is so stressful. I have no idea how to come up with this, and the rest of my tuition. This year just keeps on sucking....

Thanks Peter.

turns out they're overpaying us by like £99/month because DH is under 25 and not entitled to one bedroom LHA. This is so stressful. I have no idea how to come up with this, and the rest of my tuition. This year just keeps on sucking....

I have just altered my post above yours, while you were replying. Those new links might help?

Thanks Peter.

turns out they're overpaying us by like £99/month because DH is under 25 and not entitled to one bedroom LHA. This is so stressful. I have no idea how to come up with this, and the rest of my tuition. This year just keeps on sucking....

At least you checked. Many don't and then get hit with a demand for the money to be paid back.

As a UKC, he can have a one bedroom LHA, but that has to be the shared house rate if he is not allowed to claim for you. Can he get a double bedroom in a shared house for his LHA rate?

Or try to get a bit of extra help with a discretionary  payment?
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/discretionary_housing_payments#0

Gibby, I'd go to the CAB for advice about how best to deal with this.

Likely, I think it means seeing someone in person at the Jobcentre, writing to Jobcentre, citing worker's name, manager's name and your and your husband's NINOs combined with information regarding your immigration status and possible providing the information regarding no recourse to public funds and asking them to confirm receipt and acknowledgement of your correspondence to stop payment on your calculated portion. I'd keep copies of all correspondence and records of all appointments.

Perhaps a CAB advice worker could help with the correspondence? Make sure you keep records of everything.
 
I'd also suggest to open a separate account for the amount which you and CAB calculate that the Jobcentre has overpaid you so it is easier to pay it back.

http://www.leedscab.org.uk/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/publicfunds/

Oh and I think this place has links to a food bank in Bradford:

http://www.thelightchurch.org.uk/cap.php

HTH. 

Likely, I think it means seeing someone in person at the Jobcentre, writing to Jobcentre, citing worker's name, manager's name and your and your husband's NINOs combined with information regarding your immigration status and possible providing the information regarding no recourse to public funds and asking them to confirm receipt and acknowledgement of your correspondence to stop payment on your calculated portion. I'd keep copies of all correspondence and records of all appointments.

This, but do it all in writing and send the letter/s from the post office and pay for it to be sent 'signed for'. You will be able to log on to the royal mail site and download a copy of the name of the person who signed for it. If it were me, I would sent one letter "for the attention of" the manager of housing benefits and another to the council's CEO. You can get both their names from your local council offices. That way you have absolute proof that you sent the correct information.

As already mentioned here, just save the overpayments in a separate account and enjoy what (little) interest you will get from the money until the council ask for their money back.

Thanks Peter and M. I'm in the process of sorting it out right now (they're finally aware that they've overpaid). They're sending me a repayment plan. Your help was much appreciated