House Ownership and Universal Credit

kah22

I have a friend who is in hospital at the moment, at 55 and with a serious illness I doubt if she will be employable

Her family are talking about buying my friend an apartment and wish to sign it over so that they have a sense of ownership and to give security

A major worry that they have, however, is will this affect her UC, Having been in hospital for about ten weeks their benefits will have stopped. As we understand it this time around they’ll have to apply for UC, the concern is that my friend will have an asset in excess of what she is allowed to have in savings. An asset that has been gifted.

In what way would this asset affect her benefit claim

Kevin

elsien

Not all benefits stop because someone is in hospital. ESA and housing benefit are payable for 52 weeks if there is an intention to return. PIP/DLA are suspended after 28 days but would then restart once she leaves hospital.
Will your friend be responsible for maintaining the gifted property and does she want the expense?

huckster

A house that is gifted to your friend and is registered in their name would not affect benefits claim.

As advised, it is whether the friend wants the responsibility of maintaining the property and paying all associated costs.

kah22

Thanks for the replies. There is no doubt about it they do want the independence and will accept the responsibility that goes with house ownership.

It is equally good to know that the majority of their benefits will not stop.

The ownership won’t take place until the family get a solicitor to make sure they I’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed

Thanks again
Kevin