home visit

suzycat

What happens when a social welfare inspector visits your home? Do they look around the house etc??

Thanks

edellc

yeah they just make sure the property is as you have said it is as per their form and if you have said you are living with a flatmate they are just checking that you are sharing and not co habiting. They will not be checking wardrobes or under beds and the like so dont panic about that as it is fairly obvious when some one share and some one cohabits.

If your getting means tested they may also be checking for signs of working from home etc, but really there is nothing to worry about they dont go snooping at all. Most just sit in the living room with you and have a chat about the info you provided to them, they dont even take a cuppa tea

some may ask to have a quick look around but that is all it is really, like the quick way ea view a flat ie open door quickly - bedroom - door closed

nothing stressful at all, just be polite and dont have anything out that you would be embarrassed about

suzycat

Do they turn up unannounced? Or do they tell you beforehand??

edellc

They tell you what day they are coming and it can be any time between 9am and 5pm, as your unemployed they dont think this should be a problem so make sure you have everything in your need for the long wait. If you go out and they arrive they wont ring just leave a note in the door and your dole may be suspended until they can arrange another visit.