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Downsizing and on ESA
redhenjen
Posts: 8 Forumite
Hi - I have had heart failure since 2009 and fought so hard through a tribunal to get on benefits which I hate anyhow. Its humiliating in every way but I had kids so had no choice to fight.
I am allowed to work for my former employer for 3 hours a week so receive approx 1000 per year so not enough to live on. everything else is benefits.
My kids are 18 and 15 and now we have lived in the ex marital home we plan to relocate and downsize hopefully to a bungalow for my health.
However I receive the mortgage interest element - and the mortgage is likely to be paid of and I can buy for cash- that is my dream as I have made alot on the house and it was part of my settlement
The next house will be left to my kids as I am likely to die early so it gives them a home to live in or rent.
My question is - I went through hell to get into the support group - it will eventually be my only income and means I also get council tax benefit. I dont want to opt out of ESA as I will need it for the rest of my life. I am currently not on DLA but will eventually. I expect if I opt out temporarily I will have to go through the ATOS process again for years.
But I will no longer need the mortgage element - will it be perceived as income although it will not touch my personal account. will i have to pay back anything as I have profited from my house.
I dont want to do anything illegal but have learnt the system sometimes makes no sense. I just cant face reapplying - I would rather see if I can up my hours with my kids support and have an early death!!!!
I have no idea what to tell the ESA or how to do it so I know what my final budget will be.
Jen x
I am allowed to work for my former employer for 3 hours a week so receive approx 1000 per year so not enough to live on. everything else is benefits.
My kids are 18 and 15 and now we have lived in the ex marital home we plan to relocate and downsize hopefully to a bungalow for my health.
However I receive the mortgage interest element - and the mortgage is likely to be paid of and I can buy for cash- that is my dream as I have made alot on the house and it was part of my settlement
The next house will be left to my kids as I am likely to die early so it gives them a home to live in or rent.
My question is - I went through hell to get into the support group - it will eventually be my only income and means I also get council tax benefit. I dont want to opt out of ESA as I will need it for the rest of my life. I am currently not on DLA but will eventually. I expect if I opt out temporarily I will have to go through the ATOS process again for years.
But I will no longer need the mortgage element - will it be perceived as income although it will not touch my personal account. will i have to pay back anything as I have profited from my house.
I dont want to do anything illegal but have learnt the system sometimes makes no sense. I just cant face reapplying - I would rather see if I can up my hours with my kids support and have an early death!!!!
I have no idea what to tell the ESA or how to do it so I know what my final budget will be.
Jen x
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