Anyone know about claiming housing benefit when name is on another mortgage?

SuzieSue

Emma1973 wrote: »

But if she were to lose the house she was in, she would have another home to return to (theoretically at least!), not like many people who when they have lost their home have nowhere else to go, no money to rent a new property, etc, so therefore it is an asset!

Yes, but the reason the OP has moved is to get a job. If she could live in her house, she would but she can't. If she moves back to her house she won't be able to get a job and will have to rely on the state for income (as well as housing benefit) - so you and I would have to pay for it.

Emma1973

Why wouldnt the OP be able to get a job? And the OP wouldnt be able to claim HB on a property that they own!

SuzieSue

Emma1973 wrote: »

Why wouldnt the OP be able to get a job? And the OP wouldnt be able to claim HB on a property that they own!

The OP said she had to move for work reasons. I am sure that if she could move back in to her own house, she would but for whatever reason she can't get a job where her house is. That is the whole point of her question- if the OP could move back in to her house she would.

rag31

I have contacted the council today and explained the situation and as the house is in negative equity and cannot be sold (we tried for months but had to tenant it as we couldn't afford to pay mortgage on the house indefinately til someone bought it) they would not count it as an asset. Even counting half the rent as income my income is low enough that I would be entitled to some help with council tax and housing benefit.

My job is right near my house - in the same village (rural) - and my eldest daughter is at school here. So I am relieved that along with their parents separating I am not having to uproot the children to move miles away from their dad and friends, be unemployed and looking for a job, and have no money whatsoever. In this situation I would be forced to go bankrupt and move *again* with them and then apply for HB.

Sorry, I know I'm biased but this scenario doesn't make sense and trust me as soon as we can sell the house or my husband can take over the mortgage we will do that straight away.

rag31

Oh and you're right. I am self employed and work for a charity and where I used to live they kept cancelling my contracts with only 2 or 3 weeks notice and leave me without work for a month at a time suddenly. I couldn't cope with this financially and so we moved to a place where there was more regular secure work.

Becky

SuzieSue

rag31 wrote: »

I have contacted the council today and explained the situation and as the house is in negative equity and cannot be sold (we tried for months but had to tenant it as we couldn't afford to pay mortgage on the house indefinately til someone bought it) they would not count it as an asset. Even counting half the rent as income my income is low enough that I would be entitled to some help with council tax and housing benefit.

My job is right near my house - in the same village (rural) - and my eldest daughter is at school here. So I am relieved that along with their parents separating I am not having to uproot the children to move miles away from their dad and friends, be unemployed and looking for a job, and have no money whatsoever. In this situation I would be forced to go bankrupt and move *again* with them and then apply for HB.

Sorry, I know I'm biased but this scenario doesn't make sense and trust me as soon as we can sell the house or my husband can take over the mortgage we will do that straight away.

That's great news. I really hope everything works out for you.

Sam20_2

Thanks a lot for the update, I am in a similar position to you and your post has given me hope.