Benefits FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How long does a claim take to process?
Q: From what date will my benefit be paid?
Q: Can I claim Housing Benefit if I work?
Q: I am self-employed - what information do I need to provide?
Q: What is Local Housing Allowance?
Q: What LHA Category/Bedroom Rate do I qualify for?
Q: I am a joint tenant. How will this affect the LHA I receive?
Q: Why do I have an overpayment?
Q: How will the overpayment be recovered/paid back?
Housing benefit overpayments will normally be recovered directly from your ongoing entitlement to benefit at a set overpayment recovery rate. (For 2012-13 this is £10.65 per week.)
An overpayment of Council Tax Benefit is called excess Council Tax Benefit. If this is the case, an adjustment will be made to your claim and you will receive a new Council Tax bill.
If you no longer qualify for Housing Benefit, an invoice will be sent to you and you can make an arrangement to repay the debt in installments with the Housing Benefit recovery team.
To do this, email hbrecoveryteam@wandsworth.gov.uk or phone 020 8871 7072/5882 between 8.30am and 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
For more information, see Overpayments of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Note: You can make repayments online - see Direct payments
Q: I might be starting work - how this will affect my benefits?
Q: Can my landlord be paid my Housing Benefit?
Q: How do my savings or capital affect my benefit?
Q: Why has my entitlement decreased when I have had no change in income or rent?
Q: I receive Housing Benefit but cannot pay my full rent. Can I get any other help?
Q: What is a non-dependant deduction?
Q: I think you have calculated my benefit incorrectly?
Q: When will the April 2011 LHA changes affect me?
Q: What is a Shared Accommodation Rate?
