Housing benefit can I claim it?

stressed_mum_of_2

I have split from my partner at last and now need to rent somewhere. I have been offered a nice house with reasonable rent but am worried about the housing benefit.

I jointly own a house with my partner who is still living there with my 16 year old child.

Can they deny me housing benefit because I partly own the house?

theartfullodger

What other income (job? Child Benefit.. etc etcc.. ) and what other "savings" do you have ...

See...
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018926

but now it is LHA (Local Housing
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018928


On government website it notes " Who isn't eligible?

You can't usually get Housing Benefit if:

• you have savings of over £16,000, unless you are aged 60 or over and getting the 'guarantee credit' of Pension Credit
• you live in the home of a close relative
• you're a full-time student (unless you're disabled or have children)
• you're an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK

" but I'm not sure if share of house counts as "savings". I'd suggest trying the "see if you are eligible"link at..
http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=69&LGIL=0&ServiceName=Check+your+eligibility+for+Housing+Benefit+with+your+local+council

Good luck!

Artful

ILW

stressed_mum_of_2 wrote: »

I have split from my partner at last and now need to rent somewhere. I have been offered a nice house with reasonable rent but am worried about the housing benefit.

I jointly own a house with my partner who is still living there with my 16 year old child.

Can they deny me housing benefit because I partly own the house?

Can your ex partner not contribute to your rent.

stressed_mum_of_2

No, he is struggling just to pay the mortgage so can't help me.

ILW

Sell up and get two smaller properties that you can both afford. Personally I do not think the taxpayer should have to subsidise what is in the end a choice that you and your ex have made.

stressed_mum_of_2

I think your comment is a little harsh.

I had no choice but to leave as he was abusive. He is in the marital home with our son as our son fears his father will go downhill without him, otherwise he would choose to live with me but he sees me as a stronger parent and able to cope better.

In the current climate, selling isn't an option and we don't live in a big enough house to generate enough money to buy two smaller ones.

poppysarah

You need to speak to someone who can give you expert. Give shelter a ring.

real1314

stressed_mum_of_2 wrote: »

I think your comment is a little harsh.

I had no choice but to leave as he was abusive. He is in the marital home with our son as our son fears his father will go downhill without him, otherwise he would choose to live with me but he sees me as a stronger parent and able to cope better.

In the current climate, selling isn't an option and we don't live in a big enough house to generate enough money to buy two smaller ones.

Is your son still in full time education? iirc whilst he is, and under 19, they will not treat the house as a capital asset.

pawpurrs

They do ask if you have any property, and I would imagine wouldnt pay if you made yourself intentionally homeless, best thing to do would be to give them a call and ask them.

barnaby-bear

poppysarah wrote: »

You need to speak to someone who can give you expert. Give shelter a ring.

agree...
or http://www.womensaid.org.uk/ women's aid who have experience in women leaving partners
or http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/ lone parent support

barnaby-bear

stressed_mum_of_2 wrote: »

I think your comment is a little harsh.

I had no choice but to leave as he was abusive. He is in the marital home with our son as our son fears his father will go downhill without him, otherwise he would choose to live with me but he sees me as a stronger parent and able to cope better.

In the current climate, selling isn't an option and we don't live in a big enough house to generate enough money to buy two smaller ones.

Some of the comments here seem harsh and some advice/comments are inaccurate - try this forum where you might get more informed information
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=139