Closure of HB on main home but getting HB for temporary accommodation

Hi

A client was getting HB for her main residence (A) and also for temporary accommodation (B) which the council decanted her to due to major works and unsuitability for her disability. 

Today the client received a call from the Council telling her she was in rent arrears for A which she couldn’t understand as the last time she had checked she had a massive credit from overpaying her service charge.  She rang HB who told her that no HB had been paid to A as she failed to answer letters that had been sent to her.  When she said she hadn’t received any letters they called her a liar and said there was no way her HB (A) would be reopened.

The client can ask for a review of the closure decision but what chance does she have of success? (she will appeal).

In the meantime, as she cannot afford to pay rent on A, will she need to claim UC?  She gets income related ESA with the SDP, EDP and suport group and I’m concerned how UC would treat the housing element as she is in temporary accommodation as well as having liability for A?

Thanks

Is the LA her landlord and is it the same LA paying HB for both properties?

Also, where were the letters sent?

Hi Elliot
It’s the same LA and HB told her by phone that the letters were sent to both addresses :(