Question about claiming council tax benefit.

[Gottalovecosta]

Hi,
I'm applying for council tax benefit, having given up work to be my son's full time carer. On the form it asks for income, and doesn't ask about previous recent jobs etc. They want 3 months worth of bank statements, I've literally only just gone onto income support/DLA/carers allowance so obviously the past 3 months will show wages going into the bank.
Will they judge my council tax benefit based on this? I have nothing to hide but it feels like an invasion of privacy really!

They just want to make sure that you don't have a wad of cash in the account. They look at your income now, not three months ago. It is an invasion of privacy, they have to check though and there's no other way.

There's more than there usually is, given I've had a backpayment of DLA but they'll see that in the account. I don't keep my statements so I'll have to ring tomorrow and see if printing off my online account is ok or if I need to chase up the bank for old statements.

They are looking to see whether your bank statements back up what you have told them on your application for benefit in relation to your income and capital. Some people tell fibs.

They always look at the last couple of months bank statements. They are not interested in your previous employment, what they want is proof of what benefits you are currently receiving and to check that you haven't got more than 16,000.00 in the bank.
It is an invasion of your privacy but how else do they check what you tell them and it is their legal duty to do this because they are spending public money

The income bit you'll be passported for but if you have over £6k savings then that can reduce your benefit. It's not anything to worry about, really

Like I say, I've got nothing to hide, just never had to do this before so it's all new to me. Thanks for all the help :)

Just wondering, does the 6000 include childrens accounts?

no they don't look at children's savings

Thank you