Changing and ending redirection of benefit

Redirection of benefit payments cannot be transferred from one party to another. The client must make a new application, and you will need to consider it as a new request. You will need to confirm that the client has tried any viable alternatives to redirection and, that good cause, exists.

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Redirections of benefit made with the consent of the client can be cancelled by the client at any time.

Where the redirection of benefit has been made without the client's consent, the client cannot cancel the redirection. However, whenever there is a change in the client's circumstances, it is appropriate to review whether the redirection continues to be justified.

A redirection can end if you receive evidence that it should not continue. This would be relevant if it became apparent that good cause no longer existed. For example, a client may have had a redirection approved because they were in a coma, therefore unable to manage to own finances. Once they regain consciousness, good cause may no longer exist, therefore the redirection should be reviewed.

If you make a decision to cancel the redirection, you need to:

• attempt to contact the client by phone to discuss the matter
• send them the 'redirection cancelled' template letter and
• give them a minimum of 10 working days to set up an alternative arrangement before the redirection is cancelled

The recipient of the benefit redirection payments may request for the redirection to end. In these cases, you should not cancel the redirection before first having contacted the client to discuss the matter. If you make a decision to cancel the redirection, you need to:

• send them the 'redirection cancelled' template letter and
• give them a minimum of 10 working days to set up a different arrangement before the redirection is cancelled, if appropriate

Once we have established good cause to redirect a client's Income Related Rent or emergency housing contribution without their consent we will not change, suspend or stop the redirection unless there is strong evidence to support a change.