Sudden death - implication for 17yo daughter

belfastgirl23 · 17 December 2008 at 8:52PM

Hi everyone - I’ve had some sad news today that a close relative has died overnight. She leaves behind a 17 year old daughter who is still at school. Dad isn't in the picture at all. Her daughter is a very independent young woman and is clear that she wants to remain in her mum’s (council) house until she goes off to university which will hopefully be in September. I’m worrying about what the financial implications will be for her. Does anyone know what benefits she would be entitled to or indeed whether legally she will be allowed tenancy? And any other advice would be great. I’m planning to make an appointment for her at CAB but it would be useful to have some idea of what to expect. Many thanks in advance for any help. PS she has a part time job if that is relevant.

Zara33 · 17 December 2008 at 8:55PM

Sorry to hear your sad news.

Daughter would be entitled to stay in the council house assuming she was living there the last couple of years.

Oldernotwiser · 17 December 2008 at 9:01PM

I don't think that the problem will be staying in the house, but claiming benefits to pay rent and keep herself. I think that she should make an appointment with Connexions, who should be able to help her sort things out.

lolabug_2 · 17 December 2008 at 9:08PM

The law (in England and Wales) is very unclear regarding having a tenancy and being under 18. Most councils don't do it as far as I am aware and if they do it will be a license and not a tenancy agreement.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/housing/young_people_and_housing.htm#Rentingaccommodation

lolabug_2 · 17 December 2008 at 9:10PM

Oh I just had a thought that they may be in NI..so here is some info

http://www.housingadviceni.org/homeless-under-18.html#wipLive-13261-4

Zara33 · 17 December 2008 at 9:21PM

What happens to a council tenancy when someone dies?

In certain situations the tenancy may be passed on to another individual, depending on the type of tenancy and the specific situation. If you are in doubt about what type of tenancy the deceased had or have questions about the tenancy, contact the local housing authority.

Find your local council

If you are family member

If you are the spouse, partner, civil partner or other family member of the person who has died, and have been living in the home continuously for at least 12 months, you have the right to take over the tenancy. However, this can only happen once, so it won't automatically be possible if the deceased had taken over the tenancy from another family member who died. In these cases, speak to the council about a new tenancy.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/BenefitsAndMoney/DG_10030994

Sudden death - implication for 17yo daughter

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