Benefit advice

We carry out occasional reviews and home visits to check that people claiming benefits are still entitled to them. It's important that you let us know if your circumstances change as this may affect what you receive. If we don't have this information, it may lead to being overpaid benefit or Council Tax Reduction. We will always seek to recover any overpayments.

How do you review my claim?

To make sure that we pay the right amount of benefit or reduction, we carry out reviews by:

• visiting you at home
• interviews at a council office
• taking information by telephone
• asking you to complete a review form by post.

Most reviews are completed by a visit to your home address, this means that we can confirm that you are resident in the property you are claiming benefit and/or reduction from.

We normally contact you in advance to let you know the date and time. If you are unable to make the appointment please let us know so that we can re-arrange the visit. All of our officers carry proof of identity, you should ask to see this before you let anyone into your home.

What happens at the visit?

When the officer calls they will complete a statement of your current circumstances, including details of any changes since your last statement. They may record this information on a computer in your home and may ask you to sign to confirm all of the information is correct.

They will ask for evidence to support your claim particularly when there has been a change in your circumstances. They will need to see original documents not photocopies and it's helpful if you have these ready for the visit. We will ask for details of any savings, earnings and other income for yourself and any members of your household.

How do I request a visit?

If you are unable to get to an office and wish to make a new claim or if you are already receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction and would like some help you can request a visit. The team will aim to contact you within five working days of your request.

What happens next?

Our officers will check your claim to make sure that you are receiving all of the benefits you are entitled to. They can also give you advice about claiming other state benefits. Once your claim has been reviewed we will send you a letter to notify you if your award has changed.