People in Derry claiming Tax Credits and Housing Benefits advised to report any change of circumstances immediately

SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack has advised those claiming any form of benefit especially Tax credits and Housing Benefit to make sure they report any change in their circumstances immediately.

Cllr Cusack said: "Working in Mark H Durkan's constituency office we deal with a huge amount of benefit help and queries. Lately we are experiencing high volumes of constituents receiving large overpayment notifications which they are shocked at.

"Sometimes this can be down to a simple error or lack of information received by the relevant department but more often it's due to a distinct persons change in personal circumstances of which they have not been made aware.

"I would encourage as early as possible reporting of any change at all in a persons household income, particularly if it increases in any way, as eventually this will be picked up by the systems and leave you at at loss and potentially with a large payback to make.

"When appealing these situations it's very rare that any monies owned are written off as the responsibility is always on the individual to keep the DFC and HMRC informed of any change.

"This can be greatly upsetting and stressful for people on a low income when they have already spent what they maybe didn't realise wasn't due to them. They can also have their payments suspended as a result."

She added: "The best advice is to report any change immediately and keep a written log of when you did and the name of the person you spoke to. In the same regard keep copies of any documents sent and send recorded if possible.

"At a time when major changes to the benefits system are taking place we need to be particularly aware of the impacts of mistakes and prepare to resolve or prevent any problems which may occur.'