Housing benefit claim DURING mortgage repossession

Cbaby8364

Hi,

I'm new to MSE but have been scouring the boards all weekend and hoping I may be able to FINALLY get a straight answer...

Looooooong story short, 3 months mortgage arrears after being on reduced payment plans for over a year since hubby suffered a Stroke and we both had to come out of employment...

We have been advised that mortgage company will be seeking legal action and therefore we have been working closely with our local housing options team, who managed to grant us a priority band on the social housing system.

Fast forward, we have a first pre-tenancy interview tomorrow for a place that would be perfect as it's within walking distance from my son's school so we'll save hugely on diesel. Anyway, whilst we have no issue obtaining alternative accommodation via this route, I am panicking massively as to whether we would be granted housing benefit... Repossession not yet started so would they reject our claim UNTIL they ACTUALLY repossess?

I am hubby's carer and a student, mum 2 2 boys and give birth in 3 weeks to a girl and we receive all the relevant benefits for eligibility - it's just this question of HB eligibility DURING repossession (surely they wouldn't expect us to wait until we're stood out on the street before we'd be eligible??) :-(

I am extremely ill with stress, but my hubby is worse - I need to be really strong for when I go into hospital in 3 weeks for my CSection but I feel like things are going from bad to worse :-(

Please, does ANYBODY know a straight answer to this? Mumsnet recommended this site and mentioned that there are a few benefit professionals who may be able to assist?

:-(

Cbaby8364

:-( I see so many replies on posts on here, surely there must be someone who has either been through this, or has the knowledge who may be able to help?

I'm literally at my wits end :,(

comeandgo

Hi, I think you might get answers if you posted on Benefits and tax credits forum rather than the mortgage forum.

Dave_Ham

Hi, there are better sections in the forum that this one for this type of question. Typically this is almost 100% mortgage related and there is a separate sub section for housing and benefits, where you will get more replies and better suited ones.


A Mod can move the thread, although may be quicker to delete this one and then post again in that section.


Good luck

silvercar

I wouldn't rush. It is very likely that the housing people will tell you to stay put until at least the lender starts repossession procedures.

That may give you an opportunity to save money for a rental deposit. There are times when it makes more sense to stop paying the mortgage, but it depends on how your finances are generally, if there is equity in the property and a host of other things.

Cbaby8364

Hi,

Thank you for your replies so far.

Can a Moderator please move my thread to the relevant section - sorry, as I say I'm new to MSE, so wasn't sure which category to place it in x

Upsidedown_Bear

Cbaby8364 wrote: »

Hi,

Thank you for your replies so far.

Can a Moderator please move my thread to the relevant section - sorry, as I say I'm new to MSE, so wasn't sure which category to place it in x

Hello :hello:

It would be easiest just to re-post your question here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=139