Where can I get help?

dandyk

Hi, I wondered if anyone can help or has seen anyone in a similar situation. Sorry in advance for the long post.

I live in a mortgaged house (£134,000 outstanding on house) with just myself (age 54) and my wife (age 53), all our children have grown up.

We have a total income (weekly) of £172.58 (£118.40, 2 part War Pension) and (£54.18 private pension.

Our outgoings before food/clothing/living expenses is: £92.65 (£63.86 mortgage int, remainder Gas/Elec/Water/tel) which leaves just £79.93. We don't pay Council Tax, as this is exempt in our area for being a War Pensioner.

We both signed on 8 months ago for Income Support, but were told by the Job Centre that as we were receiving a War pension, we were not entitled to any help, so we signed off again.

Obviously at my age and with my underlying Medical conditions, I cannot see any hope in obtaining employment in this current climate.

We really struggle, don't have the heating on at all these days, but just about manage.

Our worry is that if interest rates go up, we just would not be able to continue paying the mortgage. We have already had a 6 month mortgage break, and have switched to interest only, which means we are not paying off any of the capital.

There don't seem to be any help offered for people in our criterea, or am I missing something.

Any help and advice would be appreciated. At present we feel that our only alternative is to try and move into private rented (if at all possible) and hand the keys to the mortgage company. Even then the rent might be more.

Other than that, its a cardboard box in Oxford Street.

Jowo_2

Contact Shelter to understand your housing options - they have a section on their website about government schemes for owners who are struggling to pay their mortgage, including one where they sell the property to a social landlord and let the owner stay there as tenants, plus some kind of mortgage interest schemes, too.

Realistically, are you able to pay off your mortgage before you retire?

Have a look at the Entitled To website to understand if there are any other benefits you are entitled to. Or book an appointment with the Citizens Advice who may be able to review this for you.

What kind of medical conditions do you suffer from that hinder your employment so the other posters could advise you which benefits you could apply for? There is Employment Support Allowance (the replacement for Incapacity Benefit) and there is Disability Living Allowance (if you have care or mobility problems).

Have a look at the support and advice that the Royal Legion offers. They specifically help out ex-soldiers in all kinds of welfare and benefit matters. The last link shows they have a specific money/welfare advice scheme run in conjunction with CAB - perhaps one of these offices are near you?

Their site lists organisations that offer retirement accommodation or rent housing to ex-forces people.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/can-we-help

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/can-we-help/poppy-advice

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/can-we-help/poppy-advice/benefits-and-money-advice-service

dandyk

Many thanks for your reply, I will take a look at Shelter.

I have a 40% War Disablement Pension, the payment quoted is split 50% is the War Pension and 50% is Lowered Standard of Occupation.

My conditions are varied, but the main area is Eyes (can see ok most of the time, but suffer from a rare condition which makes the eyes tire very quickly and erosion's occur regularly) and PTSD. I was working 2 years ago, but left as the stress was too much for me.

But, I believe the biggest problem in getting employment is age. I live in the North East of the Country, and unemployment is rising on a daily basis here.

You are lucky if there are 3 - 5 jobs advertised on a weekly basis here.

Vader123

Is selling the house and downsizing at option?

Vader

Jowo_2

You should take advice on applying for ESA or DLA - read up on them to understand which one you most fit the criteria for. Perhaps other posters can advise.

Take expert advice about your housing options - even if you do get a decent paying job before you retire, I still can't see how you can hammer down your mortgage to zero - can you? Speak to Shelter or CAB or the Royal Legion, asap.

If you have a look at the housing offered by armed forces charities, you will see they prioritise those with disabilities and in housing need. Therefore you need to understand how you stand with an application to them based on having to give up your current private property and what evidence they need to satisfy them that you meet the criteria to be considered.

Indie_Kid

Jowo wrote: »

You should take advice on applying for ESA or DLA - read up on them to understand which one you most fit the criteria for. Perhaps other posters can advise.

You can claim both, if you fit the criteria for them.

Oldernotwiser

Might it not be easier for your wife to get a job?

krisskross

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Might it not be easier for your wife to get a job?

This could be the better option if possible as the OP hasn't worked for 2 years so might not be eligible for contribution based benefit. Income based benefits would presumably take his pensions into account.

Oldernotwiser

krisskross wrote: »

This could be the better option if possible as the OP hasn't worked for 2 years so might not be eligible for contribution based benefit. Income based benefits would presumably take his pensions into account.

But this would be true for his wife as well. I just thought that it would be easier for her as he is the one who has the medical conditions.

dandyk

Many thanks to all of you who have contributed, I will take on board all that you have stated, and will commence researching as suggested.

Really pleased that I found this site, thanks once again and I will post my findings later,

Best regards

Dandyk

krisskross

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But this would be true for his wife as well. I just thought that it would be easier for her as he is the one who has the medical conditions.

Sorry didn't make it clear that i also thought it would make better economic sense for his wife to work rather than him tryimg to claim ESA.