Salford City Council is promoting a new awareness campaign so people don’t end up in the red.
The new initiative aims to make sure people are getting paid the right amount of housing benefit, so they don’t accidentally claim too much and have to pay the money back. It also applies to those who receive help with their council tax.
People can claim too much money if they do not make the council aware of changes to their situation, for example if they get a new job, a pay rise or move in with a partner.
When people have claimed incorrectly, many are left with a hefty bill and in shock when they are told they have to pay the money back.
Councillor Bill Hinds, assistant mayor for finance and support services at Salford City Council, said: “Many people do not know they have to formally tell us when their situation changes so we are launching this new awareness campaign.
“The last thing we want to do is chase people for money because they have claimed too much. And by getting it right first time, our efforts can be focussed on protecting vital services.”
As part of the campaign posters and leaflets are being delivered around the city.
Councillor Hinds continued: “There will be a small minority of people who will knowingly try and claim too much money – and they face prosecution.”
People can tell the council about changes in the circumstances by phone on 0161 909 6504, or in person at a Gateway Centre or Broughton Hub.
