Local Housing Allowance
Basic bank accounts - information for claimants
Housing Benefit is normally paid by BACS directly into a claimant’s bank account. This is the safest and quickest method to receive your benefit. You can then arrange to pay your landlord by Standing Order directly into their account so that you know your rent has been paid.
If you do not have an account we recommend that you open a basic bank account. These accounts are available from all leading banks although they each have different brand names. These accounts will enable you to receive Housing Benefit and pay your rent. If you use these accounts to pay your utility bills you may also qualify for a discount from certain gas and electricity companies.
Most banks will not allow you to borrow money when using these accounts so you should not get into debt.
If your circumstances change in the future and you start work, possession of one of these accounts will also make it easier for you to receive your wages/salaries as most companies pay by BACS and not cash.
We have contacted all of the banks within the city centre for information about their accounts. We are not able to recommend a particular bank but the following organisations have supplied us with their details. You can either contact one of the organisations listed below or another of your choice.
* These accounts may also be operated at local Post Offices. Unfortunately, if you already a Post Office ‘Card Account’ this cannot be used to receive Housing Benefit-Local Housing Allowance.
Personal identification
You will need to be able to prove your identity to the bank before they are able to open an account for you. Different organisations accept different forms of identity proof, therefore you should contact a bank of your choice to see what they will accept.
If you do not have sufficient proof of identity to meet the bank’s requirements we may be able to assist you. Please contact us for assistance by ringing City Direct on 01902 551166.
Managing your account
You will need to ensure that there is sufficient money in your account in order to pay your rent or other bills. Once you know when you will receive your Housing Benefit (normally every two weeks) you can arrange for the bank to pay your landlord by standing order on a regular basis. If you stop receiving Housing Benefit you will have to pay sufficient money into your account at the same time as you would have received Housing Benefit so that your rent can be paid. If you do not the bank may charge you.
Once you have opened your account you should contact us at the address below to provide us with your bank account details.
e-mail: citydirect@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01902 551166
Minicom: 01902 555554
Fax: 01902 551195
Write:
Wolverhampton City Council
Housing Benefits
Civic Centre
St Peter’s Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1ZT