I have means-tested problems: can you help?

02/04/2008

Q: Would you please explain what is so complex about telling people that if they have an income of a certain amount per week then they can get a reduction in their council tax, but if they have more then they cannot?

 

My friend just spent five weeks finding this out, and if the system was honest instead of hiding behind the pretence at complexity being the reason for hiding public information, then she wouldn't have wasted time form filling and being humiliated into revealing personal data which is now on the state's database, ready undoubtedly for being stolen.

 

What I would like from the Benefits Doctor is clear margins for a variety of benefits, so we can work out entitlement for family, friends and neighbours ourselves.

 
The Benefits Doctor says:

 

I share your frustration at the nature of means-tested benefits – I deal with thousands of clients every year who have the same difficulties when claiming benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

 

These benefits require people to provide detailed financial details, including pension and savings amounts.

 

The way that means-tested benefits are calculated make it really difficult to publish clear guidelines on entitlement. In an ideal world we would be able to do this but it could actually do more harm than good. For example, circumstances such as having a disability, having dependents or non-dependents living with you or being a carer totally change your entitlement.

 

That’s why we always recommend getting an independent benefit check, carried out by an expert welfare benefit advisor. That way, you already have an idea if you are entitled (which stops unnecessary claims) and the advisor can help you complete any forms.

To read more advice from the Benefits Doctor, click onto the link below.