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

teeni

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

The authority can pay housing benefit /local housing allowance in these circumstances if you could not have kept the property any other way. This decision can be challenged and you need advice from either the CAB or a housing advice service such as Shelter.

I recently had a case ( Housing law gives me my daily crust) where the property was sold to pay off debts accrued by the husband (he was a Gambler) The family then rented the property back from the new owner. Initially the local authority refused benefit on ground that they had owned the property in the last 5 years. I assisted the family in an appeal of this decision putting forward all facts relating to finances at the time and could prove that if they had not sold the property would have been at risk of repossession.

In your case if the original debts were run up by the then partner and the property was sold to deal with the aftermath of that period you may well have a case. Given the timescales for asking for an appeal i would suggest you seek help immediately.

Good luck.