Benefits - Data Protection
A claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit is a confidential matter between the claimant and the Revenues and Benefits Department.
Information will not be given to any third party without the express permission of the claimant.
Third parties include landlords, relatives and friends even if the claimant has trouble looking after their own affairs.
Permission can be given
- verbally (in which case the Benefits officer will speak to the claimant and ask for personal information to verify their identity) or
- in writing (but it must be signed by the claimant).
For more information on the Data Protection Act please visit the Information Commissioner's Office website, by using the link below.