Housing Benefit Query

colinanthony81

Hi I currently own my own home which is mortgaged.
I'm looking to move in with my girlfriend who lives in a privately rented house.

Neither of us work at present. My girlfriend receives LHA which covers part of the rent in which she tops up.

I'm trying to find out whether once we make a joint claim, how will the fact I have my own home affect her Housing benefit.

It is not possible to move into my house as its not big enough for the family so would be looking to sell it, but my concern is what will happen in the meantime.

I have enquired with the CAB but they were unable to provide me with the information needed. So I thought I'd ask on here prior to contacting my local council.

Thank you for any advice.

jacques_chirac

Is there any equity in your property? If so, this will count as capital - anything over £6,000 will reduce your claim, and anything over £16,000 will end your claim altogether.

Caz3121

If the property is up for sale the equity can be ignored for a period of 26 weeks

pmlindyloo

What do you intend doing as regards your own home? This will make a difference to your claim for HB.

colinanthony81

Thank you for the replies.

I would be looking to sell my house ASAP. I think the current equity is around 20k at the moment.

Interesting in regards to the 26 week allowance. If this likely to be a rule applied across the board by all authorities?

Thank you again for the help.

pmlindyloo

Yes, it's across the board.

Google 'local housing allowance and capital disregards' or ring your local council and ask.

SHIRAZ

Caz3121 wrote: »

If the property is up for sale the equity can be ignored for a period of 26 weeks

Is this only if you intend on buying another property with the proceeds? or does it not matter what the money would be used for?

Dunroamin

colinanthony81 wrote: »

Thank you for the replies.

I would be looking to sell my house ASAP. I think the current equity is around 20k at the moment.

Interesting in regards to the 26 week allowance. If this likely to be a rule applied across the board by all authorities?

Thank you again for the help.

£20k of equity will stop all means tested benefits when it's sold. Why don't you both live in it and claim SMI?

colinanthony81

Dunroamin wrote: »

£20k of equity will stop all means tested benefits when it's sold. Why don't you both live in it and claim SMI?

My house is simply to small for the kids unfortunately. Not even with a squeeze.

SHIRAZ wrote: »

Is this only if you intend on buying another property with the proceeds? or does it not matter what the money would be used for?

Good question.

dseventy

colinanthony81 wrote: »

Hi I currently own my own home which is mortgaged.


Neither of us work at present.

How do you pay the mortgage if you don't work?

Its relavant for state benefits.

D70

colinanthony81

Payments are very low with option of Payment holidays due to overpayment build up.

Is this relevant? Thanks.