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Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
- ampersand
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4 years 2 months ago #255340 by ampersand
Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP was created by ampersand
Just checked my bank account and found I had a payment which is obviously from a government department, but it's not my EESA or PIP - neither benefit is due and I received my last payments from them as normal.
I know it's a government thing as my online banking lists [my NI number] followed by "DFC HP". "DFC" is apparently "Department for Communities", who administer the benefits system in Northern Ireland, but I can't find out what the "HP" part means, or why they'd randomly be sending me £200.
I considered that it might be a tax rebate, as I do Permitted Work and had to report a loss last year due to having to replace the computer I work on, but on signing into my HMRC tax self assessment portal I can't find anything to suggest that, and in any case I'd expect it to just list HMRC as the source of the payment.
I'll be ringing the PIP and EESA offices tomorrow to find out what's going on, but it's a bit worrying and I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced the same thing/if there's anything special I need to know about dealing with this. I am worried about having money that's not owed to me in my account and that they'll blame it on me somehow.
I know it's a government thing as my online banking lists [my NI number] followed by "DFC HP". "DFC" is apparently "Department for Communities", who administer the benefits system in Northern Ireland, but I can't find out what the "HP" part means, or why they'd randomly be sending me £200.
I considered that it might be a tax rebate, as I do Permitted Work and had to report a loss last year due to having to replace the computer I work on, but on signing into my HMRC tax self assessment portal I can't find anything to suggest that, and in any case I'd expect it to just list HMRC as the source of the payment.
I'll be ringing the PIP and EESA offices tomorrow to find out what's going on, but it's a bit worrying and I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced the same thing/if there's anything special I need to know about dealing with this. I am worried about having money that's not owed to me in my account and that they'll blame it on me somehow.
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- Catherine
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4 years 2 months ago #255350 by Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Catherine on topic Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
Hello Ykoriana,
It sounds to as if you are doing exactly the right thing.
If you can, don't worry about it. You will not be blamed, but I would suggest you avoid spending the money until you know that you are entitled to it.
Perhaps someone who knows the NI systems will be able to throw some light on this. Please let us know what you find out.
Catherine
It sounds to as if you are doing exactly the right thing.
If you can, don't worry about it. You will not be blamed, but I would suggest you avoid spending the money until you know that you are entitled to it.
Perhaps someone who knows the NI systems will be able to throw some light on this. Please let us know what you find out.
Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- motorhead
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4 years 2 months ago #255367 by motorhead
Replied by motorhead on topic Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
Spend it as a lot of people are getting this payment due to covid and having to spend more time indoors resulting in using extra heat and energy etc.
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- denby
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4 years 2 months ago #255373 by denby
Replied by denby on topic Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
Does anyone know, is this only a Northern Ireland thing? Also which claimants qualify? I'd still be nervous unless I got a letter to say, personally...
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- motorhead
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4 years 2 months ago #255399 by motorhead
Replied by motorhead on topic Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
I think it is only a N. Ireland payment. Do a search for £200 heating allowance and you will get all the information like what benifits you need to be on and at what rate ie enhanced pip/high rate dla. Hope this helps
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- Gary
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4 years 2 months ago #255406 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Unusual payment received from [NI number] DFC HP
Hi motorhead
Thank you for your post, it was very helpful.
There is an allowance called 'Winter fuel payment' If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
There is also another scheme called 'Warm home discount' which is paid by Utility companies, but not all Ulitity companies offer this scheme and it usually is on a first come first served basis as once the pot of money is gone .... it's gone until the following year. You usually have to apply July/August time and be in receipt of a qualifying benefit such as PC and IR ESA.
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Gary
Thank you for your post, it was very helpful.
There is an allowance called 'Winter fuel payment' If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
There is also another scheme called 'Warm home discount' which is paid by Utility companies, but not all Ulitity companies offer this scheme and it usually is on a first come first served basis as once the pot of money is gone .... it's gone until the following year. You usually have to apply July/August time and be in receipt of a qualifying benefit such as PC and IR ESA.
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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