Where do I go from here?

Judampre

We downsized when we moved here and as I have an interest only mortgage on it (taken out after legaL advice on my situation) I wouldn't have enough left to buy anything. I don't want to sell and make my FIL/step father homeless but he is really not fit enough to be living alone. He has fallen several times and has been in a care home for a six week period but wouldn't stay because he would have had to pay. He has enough to fund himself but won't spend his money. I could move in with him but would end up as his unpaid carer and having looked after my husband for the last 4 years feel I don't need any more caring responsibilities. He has a son and daughter who he has contact with but who do nothing to help him butvisit on Sunday afternoonfor an hour - and besides that I love where I live now and don't want to move south again. I think I shall approach the benefit agency again.

Ms_Magnetite

See if your local council has a Welfare Rights Officer, or try whatever Age Concern is called now - as they may be able to help you with the preparation and submission of a claim as well. I expect that completing a claim form, but adding the additional information together with evidence to confirm it, is what is required. Then, if unsuccessful, you can be guided through the appeal/tribunal process if necessary.

I don't see how anyone could be expected to take on further caring duties at such a time.

I hope your husband is as comfortable as possible and his passing is gentle.

Savvy_Sue

Ms_Magnetite wrote: »

or try whatever Age Concern is called now

Age UK. need 10 characters to post this ...

sleepless_saver

An additional option to the good ideas already suggested - if your husband's illness is cancer, then Macmillan have specialist benefits advisers who can provide you with help applying for benefits, grants etc.

Do keep a note of the paragraph numbers of the DWP decisionmakers guide I quoted above - you may well need them to support your case that the house should be ignored as it's not something DWP staff will come across every day.

MrsRogers

Judampre wrote: »

What would happen if I defaulted on either the credit card or mortgage? Would they make me bankrupt?

Regarding your credit card. It is deemed as an unsecured debt.
ONLY VARY rarely will a credit card company make the debt secure (ie a charging order on your property) They only generally do this if the debt is very high and even then it is costly to do. If you get into a position that you can not pay your credit card you would need to ring them and explain your circumstances, provide them with proof of inability to pay (Income & expenditure breakdown) if this is proved they will generally just default the debt and sell it on.
If its sold to another company the proof of inability to pay is done again and so on and so forth. They will not send bailiffs round or make you bankrupt. No court in the land would sign that off if you have proof of inability to pay.

Do however make sure you keep up with Council Tax, Mortgage and utilities these are deemed as your priority debts.

If at any point you are struggling to pay a bill. Deal with it head on. The companies are able to help if you talk to them. Ignoring them and hoping it goes away is when companies think people are avoiding paying and will use harsher tactics.

Good luck and I hope you find the solution you need.
:grouphug: