SMI - Am I Entitled?

EmLoFo82

I’ll have a look at an entitled check, thank you. 

I’ve called them numerous times, they just always leave messages on my journal for a workplace case manager to call me back. The only one who has is the one that has said that I do not qualify as I fall under the old rules. 

I don’t understand how the rules change but only for certain people. 

EmLoFo82

So when filling out an ‘entitled to’ check, it has provided an amount that I may be entitled to, however that still doesn’t go in to details in terms of eligibility.

sammyjammy

We need some insider knowledge, if they are saying you come under the old rules thats having claimed for 9 months - you meet that, I really can't see that because you didn't ask for assistance from this at the start of your claim (when you wouldn't have been entitled anyway) how you can't ask for that now?  Its very bizarre.

sammyjammy

OK so I found some info, if you are working whilst claiming UC you are not entitled to claim UC, I believe you are doing so, so that will be why they are saying you aren't entitled to claim.

sheramber

The new rules are that you can claim if you are working. 

https://www.housingrights.org.uk/professionals/news/changes-support-mortgage-interest

 From 3 April 2023, a Universal Credit claimant who has earned income may qualify for help with interest payments through SMI.   

Previously, Universal Credit claimants did not qualify for SMI if they or their partner had any earned income, even if this earned income was very low. 

As the OP was claiming UC under the old system, the old system rules are still being applied.

What is queried is does the OP stay an the old rules or does he move onto the new rules now.

The above link does not clarify the position

The waiting periods for SMI have been reduced from 39 weeks to 13 weeks for Universal Credit claimants. This means that borrowers who receive Universal Credit can apply for SMI 13 weeks after claiming it. 

Borrowers claiming legacy benefits still need to wait for 39 weeks before they can apply for SMI. 

EmLoFo82

I have always claimed universal credit, working 16 hours a week I am entitled to UC. What I don’t understand is that why I am still being classed as on the old rules. 

I think I am going to email my local MP. 

I have even tried speaking to Job Centre Plus but they refer me back to UC help line. 

pmlindyloo

Have you spoken to your mortgage advisor and asked them if they can do anything help. e.g. go interest only, extend your mortgage term?  Because of the high interest rates all mortgage lenders have been asked to help people who are struggling.

I have checked the regulations which 'kicked in' in April reducing the 9 months waiting period to 3 months waiting period and allowing people to claim even if they are working and can find nothing that says you would not be entitled to SMI.  It does not appear to cover your situation where you are only just requiring help with SMI after being on UC for 3 years.

This may be a 'fluke' in the new regulations or the DWP are just incorrect.

Either way I would personally email your MP so they can get someone to check your particular circumstances and the current new legislation.

Good luck!

EmLoFo82

I am a single parent to a young child. Can’t afford childcare to get a full time decent paying job. 

I have only been claiming for 3 years. Before having my child I worked full time without benefit help at all.

I will email my MP

getinmyselfoutadebt

The rules changed in April. The advice from UC you have received is incorrect. The new rules state you are entitled even if working which wasn’t the case before. And as you have been claiming for three years, you already passed the three months now needed to claim SMI. it used to be 9 months. I am in your position, I’ve claimed UC since 2020, since April I have been entitled to SMI. It took until june for the claim to be approved. They paid back pay to the date I was entitled. 

Keep on at them. What they have said is not correct, you are not on the “old rules” the new rules stand for eveyone, not just new claims