Discussing your claim with other people

In order to claim benefits, you have to give us many personal details. We would like to reassure you that any information you give us is treated as confidential and would not normally be discussed with anyone other than you without your permission.

The Data Protection Act 1998 is in place to protect your privacy. This leaflet gives a brief outline of what information can be given to other people, although you can ask us for a more detailed explanation.

Sharing information with your landlord

Sometimes, sharing information with your landlord helps us to deal with your claim quickly and reduces the risk of you falling behind with your rent because of your claim being delayed. We would only share information with your landlord if you are a council tenant or have agreed that your Housing Benefit can be paid directly to your landlord.

In either case, under the Data Protection Act we need your permission to share information. If you give us permission we would be able to tell your landlord:

• whether or not you had claimed or reviewed your claim for Housing Benefit and, if so, whether we have made a decision on your claim or not: and
• if we need further information to make a decision on your claim, and if so what information this is

There may be other information we need to check with your landlord, such as the date your tenancy started, before we can make a decision on your claim. If this is the case we have to ask your landlord, even if you have not given permission to discuss your claim with them. Unless you have given us permission by signing an authorisation to do so, we will not discuss anything else with your landlord.

We will not give your landlord any information about

• your personal or household circumstances: or
• your financial circumstances

If you do not give us permission to discuss your claim with your landlord, it will not affect your claim. If you give us permission but then change your mind, we will follow your wishes. Just contact us and let us know.

Appointees

A claim may be made by a third party, known as an 'appointee', if you are unable, for the time being, to deal with your claim yourself. This may be, for example, because of serious illness. In such cases, the appointee takes over all rights and responsibilities in relation to the Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit claim.

The Council may accept a claim from:

• a receiver appointed by the Court of Protection
• an attorney
• a person appointed by the DWP to act on the claimant's behalf in connection with some other benefit.

In other cases the Council may accept a written request from anyone over 18 to be an appointee, for example a friend, social worker or solicitor. In these circumstances the council must consider first whether there is any conflict of interests and therefore you should contact the Council for further advice.

Discussing your claim with family or representatives

Information can also be given to someone who is acting on your behalf including family members. However we need to be satisfied they are doing so with your knowledge and consent and therefore we would normally ask for your written consent.

You should always sign any claim forms yourself unless you have an appointee.