Homeowner claiming Housing Benefit

Mossfarr

Can anyone tell me if there are any circumstances in which a homeowner can claim Housing Benefit when living in sheltered accommodation but are unable to sell their house?
thanks

elsien

Unable for what reason?

bigbill

If their income / capital allows a HB claim no problem as value of the house for sale is fully ignored.

Mossfarr

elsien wrote: »

Unable for what reason?

Other elderly family members still live there.

elsien

bigbill wrote: »

If their income / capital allows a HB claim no problem as value of the house for sale is fully ignored.

It's not up for sale though.

xylophone

Other elderly family members still live there.

If the home owner in question had needed to go into care and the house was still occupied by

a husband, wife or civil partner
a close relative over the age of 60 (as set out in the guidance used by local authorities)
a dependent child
a disabled or incapacitated relative

the property would not be taken into account in the means test.

The OP mentions "sheltered accommodation" rather than care but perhaps the same considerations would apply?

Check with the local authority.

Mossfarr

xylophone wrote: »

If the home owner in question had needed to go into care and the house was still occupied by

a husband, wife or civil partner
a close relative over the age of 60 (as set out in the guidance used by local authorities)
a dependent child
a disabled or incapacitated relative

the property would not be taken into account in the means test.

The OP mentions "sheltered accommodation" rather than care but perhaps the same considerations would apply?

Check with the local authority.

Thanks xylophone, I have checked the local authority 'Eligibility Checker' but this particular set of circumstances is not mentioned. The elderly person did not need to 'go into care' they chose to move to a sheltered accommodation flat as the house was no longer suitable due to their infirmities - different levels between rooms, very difficult to heat and so on.

I think the best advise I can give is to submit an application but not to build up their hopes!

Afraid_of_Kittens

Yes they can claim Housing Benefit on their sheltered housing rental property and their former home will be disregarded as capital as long as they meet the following criteria:-

Property you own but do not occupy [HB Sch 6, HB(SPC) Sch 6; CTB Sch 5, CTB(SPC) Sch 4]

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/213/schedule/6/made

4. Any premises occupied in whole or in part—

(a)by a partner or relative of a single claimant or any member of the family as his home where that person is either aged 60 or over or incapacitated;