85A.—(1) This regulation applies where an overpayment has occurred in the following circumstances—
(a)a claimant has moved from the dwelling previously occupied as his home (“dwelling A”) to another dwelling which he occupies as his home (“dwelling B”);
(b)the claimant has been awarded housing benefit in the form of a rent allowance in respect of dwelling A to which he is not entitled because he is no longer occupying or treated as occupying dwelling A as his home;
(c)housing benefit is paid to the same person in respect of the claimant’s occupation of dwelling B as it was paid to in respect of dwelling A; and
(d)the same relevant authority is responsible for paying the housing benefit in respect of dwelling A and dwelling B.
(2) Where this regulation applies, in calculating the amount of the overpayment which is recoverable the relevant authority may at its discretion deduct an amount equal to the claimant’s weekly entitlement to housing benefit in respect of dwelling B for the number of benefit weeks equal to the number of weeks during which the claimant was overpaid housing benefit in respect of dwelling A.
(3) Where a sum has been deducted under paragraph (2), an equivalent sum shall be treated as having been paid in respect of the claimant’s entitlement to housing benefit in respect of dwelling B for the number of benefit weeks equal to the number of weeks during which the claimant was overpaid housing benefit in respect of dwelling A.]
Textual Amendments
F1Reg. 85A inserted (1.4.2010 for specified purposes, 5.4.2010 in so far as not already in force) by The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2608), reg. 1(2)(3), 3(4)