Claiming smi on incapacity benefit

lulugirl

I have been trying unsuccessfully to see if I can claim help with mortgage interest SMI. I am a single parent on incapacity benefit long term, & dla lower rate care & mobility. Would I be able to make a claim for help with the interest on my mortgage? Thanks for any replies received.

TOBRUK

You can claim SMI payments if you are on ESA (IB) if you look on this website it will explain more:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/DG_180321

lulugirl

I am on incapacity benefit not Esa. Would I still be entitled. Thank you for replying so quick

TOBRUK

Well ESA is the new form of IB - everyone still receiving Incapacity Benefit will soon be receiving a medical and then placed on ESA for which there are two groups. Based on this information I would say yes on IB you would be eligible. Why don't you phone them and ask for an application form.

lulugirl

Thank you, I did call them the lady said it was only for people on income support & I wasnt entitled to it! I rang again & spoke to someone else & just asked for the application form to be sent which she said she would do. So will take it from there. Thanks for your help.

TOBRUK

When I lost my job due to ill health I was on Incapacity Benefit and I eventually received SMI payments - back then you had to wait 39 weeks before you could receive any that has now been changed to 13 weeks.

Unless it has changed (which I doubt) then you would be eligible.

dmg24

You need to ask to be assessed for an underlying entitlement to IS. How much is your mortgage, not including any fees or additional borrowing?

lulugirl

My mortgage is a capital motgage £43,000. How do they asses you through the application form?

lulugirl

Payments are £300 per month

TOBRUK

My mortgage is 40,000 and I receive 21.00 a week (I can't look it up at this moment but the figure is close to what I receive), can't tell you how they work it out (I'm sure someone will) at the moment. It is paid every 4 weeks - my lender receives (approx) £84.00 every 4 weeks and the rest I pay by DD every month!

I do check with my lender every couple of months to make sure I have no arrears.

dmg24

For that low an amount, you may not qualify. How much IB do you receive?