Housing benefit whilst on a mortgage elsewhere?

poochbear

Hi,

I am in a messy situation. My husband and I have 2 children and have our own home through the homebuy scheme, meaning we are jointly on a mortgage for 50% of the cost and paying an equity charge on the remaining 50%.

We have separated and the situation is very strained so I have applied and been accepted onto the local housing list but with an understandably hefty wait ahead of me.
I cannot remain in the house as the combined cost of mortgage and loan is £670 p/m and my earnings are only £1200 p/m which will not cover all bills and child related costs.
He cannot remain in the house - alone and in a 4 bed house is unmanagable and he is unlikely to get the mortgage without my salary on it too.
The house needs to be sold, but if it takes a while where does that leave me?
I am happy to move out and have looked into private rent but again will struggle with cost. Will I be considered for housing benefit or is this def ruled out as my name is on a mortgage elsewhere? Even if the property is up for sale?

Any advice appreciated :-)

karenx

You will still be entitled to housing benefit but only if the house is for sale. And for a max of 6 months, so if its still for sale after 6 months you will not be entitled. You will also have to be seen to be making every effort possible to sell the house, so even if it means lowering the price.
Could you not still afford the house with your wages, child benefits and maintenance from your ex partner?

jojo_2012_2

I also think you should look a bit closer about being able to afford the house without your partner. Your entitlement to taxcredits would go up. Also maybe you could hire an aupair and house her in one of the rooms, this would (probably) cut down on your childcare costs? At least until you sell the house then maybe you could downsize?