How is the Benefit paid
- Once you benefit claim has been assessed your benefit will usually start on the Monday following the date we receive your claim.
- Depending on the circumstances, we will normally pay Housing Benefit to you rather than to your landlord although we may decide to pay Benefit directly to your landlord instead of you, for example, if you're unlikely to pay the rent or have difficulty managing money.
- If we pay Housing Benefit directly to you, this will be by cheque, giro cheque cashable at the Post Office, or straight into your bank or building society account.
- We usually pay Housing benefit in arrears. This means that it is paid after your rent is due. It can be paid weekly, fortnightly, every four weeks or every month, depending on how frequently you pay your rent. You have a right to be paid fortnightly if your housing benefit is £2 a week or more and it is not being paid to the landlord.
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