Please help

Bigchangesahead

Hi,
I have been living in the Republic of Ireland for the last 10 years! Before that I worked in NI for 6 years! Due to the break down of my relationship I think it's time to come home be near my family and get a fresh start for me and my 3 year old. I haven't a clue as to what my entitlements would be and was hoping someone could advise me. I would hope to get any kind of part time job to start with and was wondering what benefits if any I would be entitled to( considering the fact I've lived away for so long). I'm also very interested in this co ownership mortgage option to have something for us rather than pay someone else's mortgage! There seems to be some great offers out there and was wondering is it too good to be true! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

xmadmammax

Can't help regarding what, if anything, you'd be entitled to, but with regard to a shared ownership property, I can.
Basically, you pay a mortgage for the property % you own, and rent on the rest.
Mine was with the local council, so the rent portion was quite cheap (about £90 a month)
You are responsible for the repairs and upkeep of the property, as if you owned the property outright, but your are able to claim housing benefit on the rental side if you qualify for benefits (I think HB also include an allowance for the mortgage side as per full property owners)

Getting the mortgage is the hard part, especially if you have no deposit to put down, and some S/O properties have their own criteria you have to meet too, so check that out

I personally love the shared ownership scheme as a means of getting on the housing ladder

RAS

Op

You may need to meet the habitual residency test rules; this applies to Eu citizens and to British citizens returning from out side the country. Not sure about Eire as there have been special rules re somethings.

Are you claiming anything in Eire, as I think that this will make it easier to claim over here, but please take advice.