A housing benefit office has just awarded a claimant entitlement from the Saturday they moved in to the property. Originally HB would be awarded from the Monday of the week of occupancy, even when occupancy didn't take place until the Thurs or Fri say. I have been informed by the HB office that the rules changed in April 06 and they are now allowed to pay from actual date of occupancy, even for weekly rental charges.
Supporting People meanwhile only pay from a Monday, but only once HB is in payment, leaving the tenant with a liability for the costs of support for the 2 days until the Monday following occupancy.

Has anyone come across this problem and dealt with it successfully, or can anyone suggest any possible solutions.

Thanks

Sandy

The LA is correct.

Where liability commences for the first time (& assuming occupancy also occurs at that time), HBR 76(2) states that HB shall start from the same benefit week in which that liability starts. No change there.

However, HBR 80 was amended from April 06 and this has the effect of apportioning benefit for that first week. So, to all intents and purposes, benefit now only starts from the Saturday in your case. The part that previously allowed the full rent to be used for the whole week has been deleted.

Regards