help please....disabled woman living in unfit house

jeanette17

I am in need of some advice please, My mum suffers from COPD and is on disability benefits, she owns her own house which will be paid for some time next year, the problem is that the house is in such a state of disrepair that it is causing more health problems, she needs new windows and doors, new kitchen, bathroom, walls knocking out to make a down stairs toilet, new boiler and fire, and she also has a lot of damp on walls and floor boards, which means all the carpets need ripping out, walls skimming and redecorating and a lot of the furniture needs throwing too. I wondered if she was able to claim any money towards these things, she can not carry on living there as it is, and she is unable to work. The only thing people so far have suggested is that she gets her mortgage company to buy part of her house so that she can have the cash to make the house livable. I wondered if any body knew more about this option and what our best option would be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I just don't know where to start.

alwaysonthego_2

I think you are referring to getting a secure loan on oyur home which would not be advisable certainly in this climate and if your mother does not keep up with her payments then she could lose her home.

I would be looking at whether she would be entitled to any grants. Does your mum claim any benefits? You should try and get her referred to Occupational Therapy.

cattie

She may be able to get a warm front grant for the boiler/central heating. www.warmfront.co.uk

Also, she should contact her local council to see if any grants are available for home improvements. Not all areas have grant schemes & generally are only given for essential works.Sometimes the amount given isn't enough to cover the work & the rest is given on an interest free loan to be repaid when house is sold & a charge is put on the property.

If she needs adaptations made such as downstairs wc etc because of her disability,she may be able to get a grant from the Disabled Facilities Fund.http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4000642

MrsE_2

jeanette17 wrote: »

I am in need of some advice please, My mum suffers from COPD and is on disability benefits, she owns her own house which will be paid for some time next year, the problem is that the house is in such a state of disrepair that it is causing more health problems, she needs new windows and doors, new kitchen, bathroom, walls knocking out to make a down stairs toilet, new boiler and fire, and she also has a lot of damp on walls and floor boards, which means all the carpets need ripping out, walls skimming and redecorating and a lot of the furniture needs throwing too. I wondered if she was able to claim any money towards these things, she can not carry on living there as it is, and she is unable to work. The only thing people so far have suggested is that she gets her mortgage company to buy part of her house so that she can have the cash to make the house livable. I wondered if any body knew more about this option and what our best option would be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I just don't know where to start.

What about selling it & buying somewhere small & easy to maintain?

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello,

There may be a few grant options, and will mean a little research.

Firstly, there's Warm Front. There are various eligibility requirements.
Secondly, your council may run a scheme that aids elderly / disabled stay in their own homes called the 'Staying Put' scheme. It may be better to enquire about this at the start of the new financial year.
Thirdly, there are Disabled Facility Grants. Again you would need to speak to your local council. Your mother would need to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist, you can do the referral yourself, and you need to speak to Social Services.

Last, there may be employment related grants available. If your mum previously worked for a large employer, or worked in certain trades, there are grant schemes out there.

With the quantity of work that needs doing, it sounds like the house needs to be completely gutted. I think you might find any mortgage related finance difficult, as the house may be deemed as in a state of disrepair.
good luck,

Munchie

jeanette17

Thank you for all your replies, It has certainly given me more options to look into.