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Housing Benefit backdate and date of imprisonment
Cl over SRP age was living with a partner and they had a joint UC claim with LCWRA for him. At some point over the summer he went into prison on a long sentence. Their last UC payment was on 10/6/22 for AP 3/5/22 - 2/6/22. We do not have the date the partner went into prison- client was in hospital at the time. She is very poorly and does not have much information. No UC was paid after 10/6/22, but two further UC statements show that LCWRA element removed and entitlement calculated as zero based on standard allowance for a single person with housing costs and unearned income which matches client’s SRP. So UC were obviously aware that partner had ceased to be part of the couple, but kept the claim open even although cl is over SRP age. It appears the change was not reported to UC by client until a housing officer assisted on 22/8/22. A claim was made for HB and CTR with a backdating request. UC stop notice finally issued from 22/8/22.
HB has agreed to pay from 29/8/22, but say they need to have a single occupier discount form from client and evidence of date partner went into prison before considering backdate.
Ideas gratefully received.
https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/families-helpline
“Pact runs the national Prisoners’ Families Helpline, a free and confidential service which offers practical and emotional support, information and advice to anyone who is affected by imprisonment, in a straightforward, non-judgemental way.
You can reach the Helpline on 0808 808 2003 (freephone - including most mobiles).
The Helpline is open 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day & Boxing Day).
You can also email the helpline team on info@prisonersfamilies.org. “
Thank you. Wondering how cl can evidence the date partner went into prison.
I wondered if the helpline could signpost to the right place in the Prison Service to ask for this information.
Other possible sources: Probation Service; client’s partner’s defence solicitors.