Fraud Web - Visiting Programme

East Hampshire District Council is committed to reducing poverty and developing an active benefit system that supports work, savings and honesty.  It is therefore vital that the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is secure, fair, provides help where it is needed and is vigilant in tackling fraud and abuse.  Ensuring that the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit schemes are administered effectively and efficiently .

As part of the 'benefit process' home visits are conducted by visiting officers, who are employed by the Council.  The purpose of the home visit is to ensure that any entitlement to benefit is up to date.  During the visit you will be asked to verify the circumstances of your claim and provide up to date documentation to confirm your cirumstances.  Home visits are an important part of the 'claim process' and they help to ensure that benefit claimants get their rightful entitlement, prevent fraud and secure the gateway to the benefits system. 

Most home visits are conducted by appointment and you will be contacted by a member of the Council to make an appointment.  However there are some occasions when it may not be possible to book an appointment with you, prior to the visit.  All the visiting officers carry identification and will provide identification on arrival.   If upon arrival the visit is not convenient a letter will be left asking you to contact the Council within the next 14 days to book a suitable appointment.

The visiting programme is not intended to make it more difficult for a person to claim benefit. It is to ensure that those entitled to receive benefit are paid correctly and on time and that those attempting to abuse the system are identified and stopped.