× Search rightsnet
Search options

Where

Benefit

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

From

to

Forum Home  →  Discussion  →  Housing costs  →  Thread

When the claimant of Housing Benefit dies, does the wife need to make a new application for Housing Benefit or is it a change in circumstances?

Benefits38
forum member

Welfare Benefits Team, The Money Carer Foundation

Send message

Total Posts: 32

Joined: 9 October 2018

Hello

I have a client whose husband has died recently.  The client’s late husband was the claimant but my client was included on the claim as his partner.  Does a new Housing Benefit claim need to be made or is it a change of circumstances?  If a new claim is required, it will definitely be Housing Benefit as my client is in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium of ESA. 

Thanks

Elliot Kent
forum member

Shelter

Send message

Total Posts: 3117

Joined: 14 July 2014

HB claims are always made by one individual, whether or not they have a partner.

If the claimant dies, then this means that the surviving partner needs to make a new claim.

But if the claimant’s partner dies, then the claim continues - it will be a change of circs within the claim.

Benefits38
forum member

Welfare Benefits Team, The Money Carer Foundation

Send message

Total Posts: 32

Joined: 9 October 2018

Thank you for your help, Elliot.