Tax credits and housing benefit?

sarmia

Me and my partner last month decided to split and I have been claiming as a single person since the beginning of december. We have a joint mortgage and a little one and have still been living under the same roof. I have now got a rented house which i hope to move in within a fortnight. Now my name is still on the mortgage but am I able to claim for housing benefit on the rented house even though I own a house but am not currently paying any money towards the mortgage payments or bills etc?

Caz3121

they may disregard the other property for a limited period for benefits - is the property up for sale or is your ex going to buy you out?

sarmia

thanks,

He is trying to buy me out but not sure if he is going to be able to afford the increase in monthly payments. He would rather not sell the house as he sees it as our childs house and would like to stay there. Unfortunately I am unable to buy him out or cover the households costs.

If I was to stay named on the mortgage but not contribute would this go against me claiming and then be bought out in the future when things get better?

Vixie_Pixie

You will be able to claim HB and CTB - if he still lives in the property it will be disregarded for 26 weeks or as long as reasonable. If he buys your half - the LA will include it as capital.

However if you make it clear that the capital is intended for use towards purchasing a new property this too will be disregarded for 26 weeks or as long as reasonable.

Hope this helps