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ESA3 re-assement form- what do they tell landlord?

Posted , 2 users are following.

bone34563
bone34563

Greetings all. A bit concerned about something, and google etc yields no answers...

I'm currently on contributory-based ESA- but have had a change in my living situation, and I've been told to fill in an ESA3 form. This is to update them on my change of circumstance, and also because I might qualify for an income-related top up to my ESA.

In one section, the form asks 'Do you pay a private landlord...for the place where you live?' and if you tick yes, 'Please tell us their name and address.' I'm concerned about filling in this information, since I don't want to inform my landlord (a small private letting agency technically) that I'm receiving ESA or housing benefit. I'm worried the landlord may discriminate against me, and anyway I would find it very traumatic and stressful to have to discuss my health issues or living situation with them.

When I originally claimed ESA, I did the usual phone interview where they ask you about all your details, then send a copy of your statement to you. I don't think they asked me either my landlord's address, or how much rent I was paying, in that interview- but I did inform them I was receiving housing benefit. On the ESA3 form, I have again mentioned that I recieve housing benefit- but they don't ask specifically how much my rent is, or for tenancy agreements (like the housing benefit office at the council would)- which has me worried about where they might go for this information. Don't they need to know how much rent I'm paying / what housing benefit I'm receiving, in order to calculate my entitlement?

Does anyone know what they use the landlord's address for? Do I absolutely have to fill it in? Will they write to them- and if so what will they say?

I would really appreciate any help please, thankyou so much.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • SteV3
    SteV3 bone34563

    Posted

    Hi,

    There is a reason for this, and it is due to Housing Benefit and how it is paid. The Government has made changes, and councils must follow the new rules, it is nothing really to do with you personally as such. The change in the law was made sometime ago and you should have been notified, however it is not yet inplemented in to the system.

    This is what is happening:

    Normally, Housing Benefit is worked out and can be sent to yourself or your landlord, this part is changing, and also rent-free weeks are also ending.

    They need to know how much your full rent is per week, so they can adjust the the Housing Benefit to suit.

    Now, comes the part where it all changes, firstly your rent will be worked out on a Calendar basis not weekly, there will be no more rent free weeks, and your rent is worked out over the full 52 weeks in a year, so basically the rent on a weekly basis to you looks like you are saving money (it's not really, it works out the same!).

    The next part is another cut made by the Government, you will no longer be able to state that your Housing Benefit is paid direct to your landlord. It will be paid directly to your bank along with any other benefits, like your ESA, etc. It is then up to you how you make the rent payment to your landlord, either by cheque, standing order or Debit Card.

    So, that's why they asked you for your landlords address, you may find there maybe an option where you can have the Housing Benefit paid directly from  your ESA to your landlord. I guess it's another way to confuse people, but they will need your authorization to do a such transfer, thats all it is.

    Hope that answers your questions. Blame the Government cuts, there's many more to come depending on the election! rolleyes

    Regards,

    Les.

  • SteV3
    SteV3 bone34563

    Posted

    A quick note I forgot to mention, all this happens when all your benefits are changed to Universal Credit, but this is being rolled-out by Postal Area Codes.

    If you type in to Google "Universal Credit" then you will see all about it, and that all your benefits are added in to one monthly sum.

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