Housing benefit for mortgage?

Mrs_Arcanum

millym wrote: »

That's awful! Surely the govt could introduce a rate of SMI for the HOLD scheme that would be sufficient to cover it, since it's only for severely and permanently disabled people?

I really am shocked that they didn't take this into account when they reduced SMI last year. Yet another blow for the sick and disabled in this country! I used to be so thankful that my country looked after people like me, but now the most vulnerable are being put under horrendous amounts of stress due to all the reforms.

I do agree with other posters though, that such schemes should provide a secure home for the disabled, and not provide an inheritance for their offspring. Perhaps SMI could be increased for HOLD, with the condition that ownership returns to the HA when the disabled person dies? Seems like a reasonable compromise to me.

We have one single parent family with children on this scheme from over 500 mostly single people. The criteria is very strict as the benefit is only for the disabled person. We do have a shared household (all LD) and a couple (both LD) on this scheme. So you have the extra assurance that offspring are exceedingly unlikely to benefit from this as there are none. The person share of the property would normally be sold on to another person with similar disabilities if they leave (for whatever reason).

Housing Options is a useful site for anyone with LD looking to have some control over where they live. All too often those with LD get shoved into the wrong accommodation just because it is seen as an easy option. More planning is needed to provide the right sort of home for everyone.