I don't know where to turn next- I think I'm going to lose my home.

Lost.Angry.Confused

Sorry If this is in the wrong place. I'll start from the beginning, if anyone gets to the end please can someone help me

Met hubby in 2004, I knew he had debts that ex wife had run up before leaving him. He owned the house, but was struggling with repayments. He re mortgaged 2006 with a company that deals with bad debtors. In late 2007, he was struggling again so after many attempts and then getting laid off in January 2008 he sold the house to a rent back company. We got £29,000 after all debts were paid. Rent is £900 pcm

We had our daughter in 2005, married that year as well. In October 2006 my husband was arrested over some pretty horrible charges, which he has always denied (Which like a mug I have always believed). He was put on unconditional bail

These charges have dragged on, with 7 court dates between September 2007 and October 2008.

Hubby worked as a HGV driver on agency but was laid off January 2008, so we lived off of the proceeds from the house. Due to the nature of the the alledged charges, I was advised by social services that I was not allowed to leave my daughter ( 2.5years old) and stepson in my husbands care as a precautionary measure- leaving me unable to work.

During mid 2008 hubby was diagnosed with depression, due to court proceedings. During the full trial I was made aware of how bad the allegations were, and how much was hidden from me. He was found guilty October 2008 and sentenced to 3 years in prison. I will not be having him back after these 3 years.

He always reassured me that he was not guilty, and everything will be fine. Even that after he would be found not guilty and his police record is cleared he would be able to get his job back- Gullible me believed every word.

I found out that I am nearly 4.5 months pregnant, after being on the mirena coil. It hasn't come at the greatest time I can tell you.

I have started claiming Income support and child tax credits.

Today I been turned down for housing benefit- because we have only been renting this place for a year- their criteria is I have to be renting for at least 5 years before being eligible.

Where do I turn now, I've got enough money for 1 months rent.

I feel like I'm being kicked from every side

Kaz2904

I don't know what advice to offer I'm afraid but you need some support from someone living near you.
I hope it all works out for you. If you can't pay your rent then presumably you would be evicted. If you are evicted then you are homeless and if you are homeless the council have to assist you with rehousing you. Common sense suggests that it would be easier and cheaper for them to just pay HB for the house you're in now.
Good Luck.

Krystaltips

I really can't imagine how hard it must be for you, but well done coping and once you are sorted out financially things will get better for you!

Is there an option at the bottom of the letter about housing benefit to appeal the decision? You should do this straight away and also go down to the council offices and put your name down for social housing, if you can't pay your rent then you will need help finding somewhere else to live.

I'm not entirely sure how the system works but hopefully someone will come along soon who knows a bit more.

Lost.Angry.Confused

Thank you both- I don't have family (closest is over 200 miles away). I'm just so terrified of losing everything- All because I trusted my husband to the ends of the earth.

I put the claim for HB in on Dec 8th. I got a letter 23rd asking for more info on the rentback- proving I was no longer the owner of the house etc. I had a meeting with the housing people monday 5th Jan, where I took everything possible in- Bank statements and solicitors letters, rental agreements. Duringtt meeng te boke said everything should be sorted by this coming Tuesday- I thought I'd finally sorted myself out for a while.

jellyhead

I don't know anything about renting back your house, or housing benefits but just wanted to send you a hug.

Would citizens advice be able to help with your housing situation perhaps, they will have somebody who knows about benefits. If you post on the benefits board of this forum somebody might know more about what happens in this situation.

Is £900 rent high? It would be in my area, at least 4 bedrooms etc. so is it possible to move to a cheaper area? Are you obliged to stay where you are, or can you move?

I hope you get some help with this soon.

Lost.Angry.Confused

I have a 3 bedroomed house. The area that I live in (Sandhurst, Berkshire) should cost about £1200- £1300 pm. My rent is cheap because the house is in quite a poor condition.

Even my landlord said it works out better for him to take a drop in rent, than have to close the house to do it up for 3-4 months with no money coming in.

I forgot to say that I'd have to have a 3 bedroomed house because my ss is 17 (in full time education), so can't share with my daughter (3).

Thank you for all of your replies so far, such a friendly board.

cobbingstones

I just wanted to add that I am so pleased to hear the you will not be seeing your ex partner again once his sentence is complete. Thank you for putting your children first. So many do not.

Good luck and best wishes to you

poorandindenial

Hi there

I am not going to be too hot on your specific situation but I am usually over on the debt free wanabee board and we have lots of people there who are facing problems paying rent/mortgages.

Because of the rentback scheme you are on I really think you need some professional advice on this, Citizens Advice are an obvious place to try, one that is less obvious but should be able to tell you what your next moves should be if your house is at risk is Shelter (the homeless charity) The good news is that you are not as far down the track as lots of people are when they make it onto here so hopefully with a bit of good advice and a lot of emotional support we can all help you through this.

As the others have said, do check the benefits board and over on the debt free wanabee board we can help you with all sorts of things from reducing your monthly expenditure to finding you letters to send to people that you owe money to and there are people there that have been through all sorts of tricky situations to do with housing.

I wish you all the best in getting back in control of this

moo842

Would you consider moving? The five year rule applies as you have owned the home you are claiming hb for in the last five years. If you moved to different accom then you would be entitled to HB
If you need any help pm me

Lost.Angry.Confused

poorandindenial- Thank you, It's really means a lot that people have taken the time to comment.
The good news is that I do not have any other debts at all. I'm pretty frugal (tight) with money so living expenditure is minimal- I've already sorted broadband and mobile contract to get a better deal in December. It's just the housing I need a little help with.

I've posted this on the benefits board and got some great support from there.

Thanks all
LAC X

Lost.Angry.Confused

moo842 wrote: »

Would you consider moving? The five year rule applies as you have owned the home you are claiming hb for in the last five years. If you moved to different accom then you would be entitled to HB
If you need any help pm me

I would move (Actually I've just been looking), but I just do not have the funds for 1 month in advance and 1 month deposit. The cheapest 3 bedroom in this neck of the woods (according to Rightmove) is £850.

You are all brill :T