Homless hostel

[mollybbb]

Hi I've recently been put into a homeless hostel after fleeing dv, I'm just wondering why they need 3 months worth of bank statements I'm just wondering if this has ever happened to anyone else or if anyone knows why?

Is it with a view to finding you more secure housing? If so it will just be to show that you can pay the rent, and it’s completely normal.

Or maybe it could be to show that you don’t have the means to pay so that you can be supported appropriately.

It's likely to be one of a few reasons (or all)

• to check that you're on a low enough income to qualify for housing benefit to cover the rent in the hostel - this is important as it would be unaffordable if didn't qualify
• to understand your income re support with rehousing
• to check that there's nothing amiss, eg that you don't have undeclared income going into your account, or that you don't have lots of money going out unnecessarily. The latter is because to qualify for housing support it is expected that you've tried within your means to manage your housing situation. So they would want to know if for example, you hadn't paid your rent at your old place because you had no money, but the week before showed you had money and you'd gifted it to a family member instead.
• as evidence that you were resident where you said you were, rather than for example staying abroad (holidays are fine, but actually living away can affect your entitlement)

It isn't something to worry about it, but do try and ask when things like this are requested, you have a right to know and the person asking shouldn't have any issues in telling you.

Its because you have to pay to stay there either from your own money if you have it, or benefits will cover if you don't. If you need benefits they will usually help you claim it so they get the money. Is there a support worker there? They should be explaining things to you.

It's normal op. I had to give my bank statements in . Is there anything your worried about?

It's standard & to apply for housing benefit to cover the rent & supported element of the hostel.
You will need to submit payslips too. It's nothing to worry about and all housing benefit applicants have to do this.