Council chasing Housing Benefits overpayment deceased mother England
My mother died 4 months ago. She lived with a partner (not married)for 15+ years in a council bungalow.
There was a small amount of money in her bank that was distributed to grandchildren. Any overpayments of benefits paid into her bank were paid back.
I went through ALL the paperwork I could find and used the 'tell us once' service. Myself and my sister went into the housing office and we were told that her name was not on the tenancy and it was in her partner's name.
I've just received an invoice for overpayment of housing benefit from the year 2020 for £1073. It states it was being deducted from her weekly housing benefit payments.
I can't understand how she owed anything as my mother was ON IT when it came to making payments/honesty. Her partner WAS NOT which included him using her bank cards (not joint account) whilst she was on a syringe driver in hospital on palliative care!
Her partner is not communicating, refusing to answer phone/answer door.
I suspect that this has been something to do with him and my mother has taken responsibility for it. He is still living in the property.
Any advice on what we should do now?
Thanks