*URGENT* Benefits suspended and 'Intervention and Review'

[winterpastasalad]

I moved house 6 weeks ago, got a new HB award. My rent has gone up by £450 pcm, it was the cheapest house I could find as my old LL was selling up. I'm a FT carer for disabled ds.
Yesterday I got a letter saying my housing benefit has been suspended under regulation 11 and I have a form to fill in and return within one month. My circumstances haven't changed since my last form (six weeks ago). Am I under investigation for benefit fraud, or could this be a random check? I'm thinking that due to the suspension that it must be the former? I'm in a complete panic as I cannot afford to get behind with the rent. Any advice welcome, TIA.

I think it's to check that you haven't changed your household, eg. Moved in with a partner, kids moved out, etc, any changes of circumstances. But they do always write things in such a threatening manner, that you feel like you are being accused not just asked IYSWIM

Ok they have likely made a mistake and think you should claim UC instead. Some local authority workers just don't know the rules properly. It should all get sorted.

@Babyroobs do you work in this area? If so why would they suspend the award until they check? Surely that isn't standard?

I have to say that I am very surprised your money has been suspended. I would only suspend at the beginning of an investigation if I had incontrovertible proof that you were not entitled. ie your bank statement showing funds in excess of £16k...

You need to call them tomorrow and ask on what basis they have stopped your money.

@Hadtochangeforthisone yes I'm shocked too. Definitely no savings/capital over the limit. I'm fully intending to phone them in the morning, do you think they will tell me the reason, or just say it is a routine check?

No. It is absolutely not ok to do this . Benefits are not some arbitrary handout where who gets it is determined by an individual civil servant on a whim.

They are an entitlement, governed by conditions. Literally part of the legislation for payment is called 'the conditions of entitlement' . Which means if you fulfil the required conditions then you are entitled. No one has the right to withhold what is rightfully yours.

You don't need to go cap in hand to them tomorrow (nor do you need to be gobby as that never serves anyone any good. ) but you do need to be firm.
Why has your money been suspended ?

Explain you are a carer for disabled DS. How old is he ?

Explain you have just moved in and suspending housing benefit puts your home in jeopardy.

I would also get in contact with carers support services at your local council
and ask them to support you to sort this out .

However whatever you do . Do complete the form you were sent and take it back
To them tomorrow.

Email them to make a subject access request for your file. Ask for any correspondence with DWP and other agencies including Insight and Searchlight as well as correspondence with any other organisations or individuals.
Just to check if anyone has made a malicious report.
Also get in touch with your local carer support org to ask for urgent help.

No idea but I hope they are helpful when you call tomorrow

www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2001/213/regulation/11/made

Regulation 11 is where they think you may not be entitled, this can simply mean that they have not processed it properly and completed all of their own checks. I think it is likely that they have noticed they have no proof of savings and/ or want confirmation that you don’t do any work and should have this before making a decision. Especially if they’ve never confirmed this before.

Or babyroobs could be right someone has made a mistake and thinks you should be claiming UC. They suspend it for two reasons, one in case they find you have more than 6k savings or any earnings and two, to get quick response from yourself. So many people ignore letters. Once they have seen the proof it will be reinstated.

Thanks all. If I make a SAR would it reveal if someone made a report? I thought in cases such as fraud they can redact stuff?
Will phone tomorrow, hopefully I can get answers.

A SAR will take ages. They are entitled to suspend your benefit if they have any reason to suspect you may not be entitled, including if they have not asked for paperwork, reg 11 gives them that power.

A SAR takes 30 days max. If someone has reported you their name would be redacted but at least you'd know if someone has reported you or not.
But obviously you don't wait for SAR results before you contact your carer's support for urgent help.

including if they have not asked for paperwork

@BessieSurtees what does this mean please?

Bank Statements or other proof of income for example

Update: phoned this morning to be told that they had received a report of change of household. Was told to submit form online and phone back later. Just phoned and apparently it's sorted, ds turned 18 not so long ago and that is why it was flagged. A relief it's back and running but don't know why they needed to suspend my claim. He said this is normal though and doesn't mean anything is wrong 🙄

Pleased to hear OP. I do think they have a way of words with their letters that makes you think you are in the wrong unfortunately.

Great news.

this is amazing news I called mine and the lady was no help 😂😂 so hoping it doesn’t long out cos it’s stressing me out. I’m a proper stress head about minor things sadly