Tees Valley Landlord Event19 March 2015

Middlesbrough Council’s Self Serve Solutions

Carolyn Stokes

• Since September 2014 customers have been able to make a new claim on line 24/7

• To do this they need to go on line to:

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/benefitclaim

• They will still need to call into Middlesbrough House to provide documents (for example their tenancy agreement) and to sign their form.

Making a new claim

• Since September 2014 customers have been able to report changes in their circumstances 24/7

• To do this they will need to go online to:

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/benefitchanges

• The customer will need to enter their claim reference number, national insurance number, full name and date of birth to access their account

• They will still need to call into Middlesbrough House to provide documents (for example their tenancy agreement, payslip etc.)

Reporting a change

Information for Landlords

• Since November 2014 landlords have been able to access their tenants details on line 24/7 via the landlord portal for those they receive direct payments for.

• The information landlords can gain via the portal is:

• The status of a claim, for example if active, registered, suspended, withdrawn• Payments made to landlords• The tenants weekly housing benefit • If an overpayment is being recovered, the weekly amount recovered by i.e. £10.95

• To sign up for this service or to report any technical issues please email rbsupport@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Revenues and Benefits account• From this week we have launched the Revenues and Benefits account

• Customers can view their council tax bill and set up direct debits for payment

• They can report changes, for example:

• A change of address

• Apply for a discount

• Report changes to their personal details (for example a name change)

• View their benefit details if they are receiving HB or CTR

• To do this customers need to go to: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/rbaccount

Discretionary Housing Payments

• Discretionary Housing Payment scheme to continue in 2015/16.

• National funding significantly reduced for upcoming year (Middlesbrough’s allocation reduced from £595k to £504k in 2015/16)

• Applications encouraged for those who are considered to be in financial difficulties in the short term

• Payments available to help customers with any removal costs etc if they are moving to cheaper / more suitable accommodation

Any questions?