Borrowing while on benefits. Is this allowed?

paragon909

alano1963 wrote: »

What difference does that make? windows, kitchen, bathroom, wall etc etc. Never been done since house was built 40 years ago.

Your probably best calling DWP tomorrow and finding out, That way you won't be interrogated. Call ESA and DLA and explain and take advice from them, Maybe also ask Citizens advice.

Or maybe try consumer action forum, People there will actually answer your question without being nosey, It doesn't matter what repairs or home improvements you need, So no one should be asking.

Torry_Quine

alano1963 wrote: »

What difference does that make? windows, kitchen, bathroom, wall etc etc. Never been done since house was built 40 years ago.

Just because they haven't been changed since the 70s doesn't in itself tell me that they need changed now. It seems crazy to borrow for what may well not be essential

alano1963

My windows are all leaking, my bathroom is completely damp all over and my special needs son has asthma (as well as everything else that's wrong with him!). My Kitchen is falling apart and is actually rotting and crumbling as it is 40 years old. I need a wall built because the wild dog next door has eaten big chunks of the old fence trying to get at my children so they are in danger! I shouldn't need to bare my soul to you, telling you everything I'm on, what other things I get, what exactly I am going to do. I feel attacked by some of the replies. I'm not an idiot and I shouldn't have to give you all these invasive details. I was just really upset about it all and since I have PTSD and don't leave the house and have a terror of talking to people because of being severely and repeatedly attacked I had nobody to ask. I just wanted to know if it is allowed or not allowed from someone who actually knew because they work for DWP or had actually had experience of this. This is the first time I have "blogged" anything and I will never do it again. I did it because I was getting ill with the stress and now I am a million times worse. Thanks to the person who suggested doing it in 3 parts and the person who also borrowed £15000. These were at least helpful. I give up.

Torry_Quine

alano1963 wrote: »

My windows are all leaking, my bathroom is completely damp all over and my special needs son has asthma (as well as everything else that's wrong with him!). My Kitchen is falling apart and is actually rotting and crumbling as it is 40 years old. I need a wall built because the wild dog next door has eaten big chunks of the old fence trying to get at my children so they are in danger! I shouldn't need to bare my soul to you, telling you everything I'm on, what other things I get, what exactly I am going to do. I feel attacked by some of the replies. I'm not an idiot and I shouldn't have to give you all these invasive details. I was just really upset about it all and since I have PTSD and don't leave the house and have a terror of talking to people because of being severely and repeatedly attacked I had nobody to ask. I just wanted to know if it is allowed or not allowed from someone who actually knew because they work for DWP or had actually had experience of this. This is the first time I have "blogged" anything and I will never do it again. I did it because I was getting ill with the stress and now I am a million times worse. Thanks to the person who suggested doing it in 3 parts and the person who also borrowed £15000. These were at least helpful. I give up.

Sorry that you feel attacked but it was inevitable that on the information initially given people would be wary of why someone not working wanted to borrow money.

Hope you get what you need and feel less stressed soon.

pmlindyloo

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/446177/dmgch52.pdf

52548 says

A loan that is taken for repairs to a house is disregarded for 26 weeks or longer if necessary to get the repairs/ improvements done.

It also says that you do not have to have in writing that the loan is for this purpose.

However, you really need to let DWP know that this is a loan for repairs and they may ask to see bills for the work carried out.

cattermole

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Sorry that you feel attacked but it was inevitable that on the information initially given people would be wary of why someone not working wanted to borrow money.

Hope you get what you need and feel less stressed soon.

It might be inevitable on this appalling run board by Mse but that doesn't make it right!

Why what business is it of theirs or yours?

Nanny and others gave factual answers.

The OP stated their reason for wanting to borrow.

HappyMJ

alano1963 wrote: »

My windows are all leaking, my bathroom is completely damp all over and my special needs son has asthma (as well as everything else that's wrong with him!). My Kitchen is falling apart and is actually rotting and crumbling as it is 40 years old. I need a wall built because the wild dog next door has eaten big chunks of the old fence trying to get at my children so they are in danger! I shouldn't need to bare my soul to you, telling you everything I'm on, what other things I get, what exactly I am going to do. I feel attacked by some of the replies. I'm not an idiot and I shouldn't have to give you all these invasive details. I was just really upset about it all and since I have PTSD and don't leave the house and have a terror of talking to people because of being severely and repeatedly attacked I had nobody to ask. I just wanted to know if it is allowed or not allowed from someone who actually knew because they work for DWP or had actually had experience of this. This is the first time I have "blogged" anything and I will never do it again. I did it because I was getting ill with the stress and now I am a million times worse. Thanks to the person who suggested doing it in 3 parts and the person who also borrowed £15000. These were at least helpful. I give up.

Just in case this ever gets to a deprivation of capital case I'd make sure you take plenty of before and after photo's. You can then show the state of the house before and the need for the repairs to make the property habitable.

Torry_Quine

cattermole wrote: »

It might be inevitable on this appalling run board by Mse but that doesn't make it right!

Why what business is it of theirs or yours?

Nanny and others gave factual answers.

The OP stated their reason for wanting to borrow.

if some is looking for advice on borrowing money then the reason for the money makes a difference.

It wasn't me who asked what needed done and I was not the only one who was concerned as to why someone on benefits would wish to borrow a relatively large sum of money

merlin68

I wasn't getting at you, i was just concerned.
The reason i asked what work needed doing was in case there was a grant available to have it done.
For example the occupational therapist organised all my adaptions for free.
I would have suggested a disabled facilities grant.
http://www.doubleglazingsecrets.com/html/grants.html

densol_2

I'm not sure getting chunks of £5000 per time will be agreeable by the bank and may attract higher interest rates.

OP - I think it's vital to build up a portfolio of evidence just in case it's queried later on.

1. As suggested take clear photos of the damage / repairs that need doing.
2. Get written quotes from workmen for the work and tell them monies will be paid by cheque/ bank card only - no cash
3. Perhaps get your sons GP to confirm the various housing issues are impacting on your sons health.
4. Armed with the above write to DWP and ask for confirmation this will not be treated as deprivation.
5. Keep the £15,000 separate and only pay out for the works from that account as it makes accounting easier
6. Take photos of work afterwards and keep paid invoices and guarantees safe
7. Also look into grants etc to see if you can get any of this free in view of your sons health ?

All the best