Benefits advice please........anyone?

Silver_123

BigAunty wrote: »

Why is so hard to split the property while you both live there, having a separate bedroom, perhaps using another spare room as a second lounge if you've got the space? Do you have a second bathroom? Would this work for you (ignore his opinion on the matter for the moment, you are fully entitled to stay in the property and configure it how you like).

The risk is if you leave it and he cannot or will not take over the mortgage in his sole name and then refuses to sell up, you will need to spend thousands and many months forcing a sale which may still not go to plan (for example, he'll be rude to viewers or won't sign estate agency and solicitors docs as part of the conveyancing process and make the sale fall through). Realistically, could he be this vindictive?

Also, if he stops paying the mortage, you still remain jointly and severally liable - the mortgage company doesn't care who pays or the share they pay, they'll go after any name on the account when there are arrears.

No, WTC takes into account current income levels and it is a criteria for eligiblity that a single non-disabled person without dependents to work 30 hours a week.

I don't think that WTC is particularly generous for single folk on NMW anyway - play around with that benefit calculator on the Turn2us website or find a table on the HMRC website.

Housing benefit (local housing allowance) for the private sector is based on income - find the maximum 1 bedroom LHA (housing benefit) rate on the local council or direct gov website - your income will be taken into account.

It is irrelevant how much decent flats cost - LHA is set at the bottom third of local rents. If the rent is above the LHA rate, the council will ignore this - it's up the occupant to find the extra from their existing income. Do enter the LHA info on the Turn2us online benefit calculator to see what you would be due. Some tenants move into properties far more expensive than the LHA rate and struggle to pay the balance between the rent and HB they recieve.

Note that capital above 6k starts to reduce HB and after 16k rules it out so if you do get a payout, note how this affects means tested benefits, including council tax.

I haven't read your historic posts but if you are in an emotionally abusive relationship, do read the Womens Aid website - they have advisors that can help with housing/benefit matters.

Thanks......it is stepping into the unknown! (frightenng! but not the first and won't be the last to do it!)

banner188

Is it not possible to find somewhere cheaper to rent if you moved to your nearest inner city? You could get a one bedroomed studio for around £280ish a month as long as it isn't around the london area.

McKneff

fifi_browne wrote: »

He doesn't want that! It's just horrible - all of it!

So, its what 'he doenst want' what you want is more imprtant to you tell him tough, so sod off and look after no. 1, you.

BigAunty

McKneff wrote: »

So, its what 'he doenst want' what you want is more imprtant to you tell him tough, so sod off and look after no. 1, you.

I agree - it's fine him defining what he wants but all the options he presents have the risk and capability to disadvantage the OP (funnily enough...) while there is little risk or change for him.

The OP needs to understand her rights and then maintain them, rather than capitulate.

But that's why some of the threads on here are difficult - she does have specific benefit entitlement questions but a lot of relationship ones, too, including what appears to be some kind of pressure for her to leave the house which will make her struggle financially because part time single workers have very limited benefit entitlements and those with capital tied up in a property where they no longer reside can find it harder.

EDIT - here is the position on HB for someone who has a property and does not own it, plus info on how to work out capital

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/rr2-a-guide-to-housing-benefit/working-it-out/income-and-capital/

Silver_123

banner188 wrote: »

Is it not possible to find somewhere cheaper to rent if you moved to your nearest inner city? You could get a one bedroomed studio for around £280ish a month as long as it isn't around the london area.

Oh I hadn't thought of that - currently about 25 miles away from city, at the moment my job is on my doorstep almost.

Silver_123

I've done it - I leave him this weekend! He can wallow in his own sulky misery........I'm off!

Mike1966

fifi_browne wrote: »

I've done it - I leave him this weekend! He can wallow in his own sulky misery........I'm off!

Good for you. :beer:
The truth of the situation might hit him once your gone and he might start to see sense and get the place up for sale and end your dealings with him all together.

Good luck with the rest of your new and happy life. :j:beer:

Silver_123

Mike1966 wrote: »

Good for you. :beer:
The truth of the situation might hit him once your gone and he might start to see sense and get the place up for sale and end your dealings with him all together.

Good luck with the rest of your new and happy life. :j:beer:

Thank you very much.........rather scary, but have rented a room for a nominal sum. Thanks.

flutterbyuk25

well done for leaving and good luck for the future x

Silver_123

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

well done for leaving and good luck for the future x

Thank you! Am a bit sad too............Thanks.,