When you inherit a house, can you claim housing benefits??

Freespirit2012

Myself and my family are in a really tricky situation and really need help!!

Our Mum recently passed away suddenly, we also lost our father a few years ago. Our Mum never left a will, but I am the oldest of four children and I have now been made executor of her estate, but I really have no clue in what I am doing.

I didnt live in the house with my mum at the time she died but my two brothers are and they have only just turned 18. We are all really struggling to pay the mortgage as my sister (who doesnt live at the house either) is out of work at the moment and I am only working part time. My brothers are still in full time education but we are really struggling to find the money to pay the mortgage. Is there any way that my brothers can claim housing benefit? They have managed to claim income support but they only get £114 a week between them and thats not enough for the mortgage and bills, plus we've just had a letter through to say that now they are 18 they will have to pay council tax!!

Im the eldest and the responsibility is on my shoulders but I really feel like crying I keep thinking that if we ask advice from the housing they will make us sell the house, but that would leave us in a much worse situation.

Please help

geennaa

Is there no insurance for your mother that when she dies then mortgage is paid out?

shoe*diva79

As students thy shouldn't have to pay Council Tax. Only advice I can offer I am afraid..

paddedjohn

Did your Mum have any insurance with the mortgage? Have you informed the mortgage company she has died? You cant just take over the repayments of her mortgage if the mortgage isnt paid off you will need to apply for one yourselves or sell the property.

Freespirit2012

There was a little bit of insurance but only paid about 20% of the mortgage so there is still alot of mortgage left

geennaa

Was that with the mortgage company?

Freespirit2012

oh and Ive been told that I can take over the repayments but only as I am not in a position to be accepted for a mortgage myself but they have told me this is only a temporary measure

Freespirit2012

no it was a seperate life insurance policy but the amount didnt really touch the mortgage once the funeral expenses were paid and the debts were cleared

Valley's_girl

Just wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss.
Take care
ally xx

paddedjohn

Freespirit2012 wrote: »

oh and Ive been told that I can take over the repayments but only as I am not in a position to be accepted for a mortgage myself but they have told me this is only a temporary measure

By temporary measure they normally mean you can pay whilst you either sell up or obtain your own mortgage.

geennaa

Have you checked with mortgage company for any insurance with the mortgage?

If you are getting benefits after 13 weeks you should be able to qualify for the interest to be paid on the mortgage.
phone citizens advice direct, you can google the number as its different if your in England Scotland etc and ask them to advise you what to do