Universal Credit - Property Ownership Query

shrew82

Hi, i need to ask some advice.

Me and my partner are really struggling at the moment and under normal circumstances would be entitled to Universal Credit, however i am on the deeds of my Dad;s house. I don't live at the property and never intend to move back there... its my dads house and will be his until something happens to him.

Even though, in my eyes, i don't own a property, My fear is that the DWP will see it that i do, and that this will affect what we are entitled to, and also mean that i will be unwittingly committing an offence, even though its not in my hands!

Our circumstances are 5 kids (4 born before 2017), 1 person in work (get about 1730 a month after tax), and we rent (575) and have bills to pay, which doesn't leave us with a lot of extra to spend a month.

I don't know whether i should declare this on the application, or just not bother saying anything, as looking at the general guidance we should qualify for some help.

Please can someone give me some advice?

pmlindyloo

When you say you are on the deeds of your dad's house what exactly do you mean?

Are you and your dad (or anyone else) tenants in common (i.e own a % each?)

Do you jointly own the property? or do you own the property?

How old is your dad?

calcotti

If you are on the seeds you must declare the property. It will be for the DWP to decide how to treat it. In principle you have your share of the equity in the property as a capital asset. However if you are unable to sell it because your father would be unwilling to sell then your share may actually have no value at this time.

Are there any restrictions on the property meaning that your fathe4 ha# an unrestricted right to live in the property for as long as he lives?

Do you currently get Tax Credits?