could my housing have been cut without my knowing?

I live in a complex of flats designated as 'supported housing', run by a housing association.

The rent for my one-room flat is £126 per week, which includes service charges such as grounds maintenance. Up until now, housing benefit has paid the whole sum, and the only thing I have had to pay to my housing association is the £10 per week heating charge.

I knew I was a few pounds in arrears, so went into my online account and found it was a whopping £226!

I'm hoping this is merely due to the housing benefit not reaching my housing association on time, but it's got me worried: could the DWP have cut my HB?

I'm all too aware that a cap was placed on HB a few months ago, but I didn't think my rent was high enough to be affected. And I've certainly never had a letter from the DWP telling me of any change in how much HB I'd be getting.

Could they have changed my HB and not bothered to tell me?

Do you live down south? I only ask because my housing benefit allowance is nowhere near yours. I live in the midlands and have to top up mine by £30 per week. Not easy out of basic IB!

Hi Annie

Although we don't cover Housing Benefit, HB is provided by the Council, not the DWP.

They should inform you in writing about changes to HB and CT amounts, and the cap on HB is in the Welfare Reform Bill which has not yet been passed.

You need to contact your housing association and Housing Benefit to find out what payments you have received, the period that they are for and if there has been any changed.

As calculating benefit amounts can be rather complexed, you may wish to see the CAB with all the relevant information to confirm that you are being paid the correct amount.

Regards

Derek