Support for Mortgage Interest

Libby1972

I have a support for mortgage interest loan. This has been in place for ten years. I bought my home through a specialist scheme called HOLD (Homes for Long Term Disabled).. Initially the mortgage was paid as a benefit, but was quickly turned into a loan. I knew I would always be required to pay the mortgage back upon selling or moving.

When it became a loan the interest began to rapidly add up. Earlier this year I was migrated over to Universal Credit. Upon filling in the application form I questioned why there was no specific question regarding SMI. I was told it would be transferred. I heard nothing. I then went nine weeks without any payment.

Every day I messaged UC but I had no response. I called them every day. Eventually they said they needed to send me an application form to reapply for SMI. No form arrived. I messaged and called every day. My GP had issued a six month fit note as I have serious mental health issues and an inoperable brain tumour.Incidentally I also sent a UC50 form in August have heard nothing regarding that, as I was hoping I might be able to pay a token amount towards the mortgage. 

I sent 20 messages in my journal. Not a single one was acknowledged. I called the SMI department direct. The choice of options you are given when you call sends one straight back to Universal Credit.

By now I am getting letters from the Building Society threatening legal action. I genuinely understand their position and they have been very understanding but by this time I have not had my mortgage paid since August and it is November.

On three separate occasions I was told the issue would be referred to a case manager who would call by 6pm the next day. That has never happened. I have never received an application form or else have been told it will be transferred but neither has happened. 

We are now in January. Due to the DWP's total lack of communication and care I am going to probably lose my home. My mental heath worker has been in contact but that has been disregarded. 

Absolutely no idea where to go from here. My mental health is at rock bottom. I just dread waking up generally, knowing one day through no fault of my own I will probably no longer have a home.

I just do not know where to go from here.

silvercar

It may be worth contacting your local MP. Absolutely shocking the way you have been treated.

I’m going to move this to the benefits board where people experienced in this area may be able to help.

Libby1972

Thanks silvercar,

I really am struglling and appreciate your help and suggestion. You are genuinely the one single person who has made me feel any glimmer of hope

silvercar

I was hoping other people on here would chime in with advice.

citizens advice bureau or your local councillor may be able to help. Or shelter?

kaMelo

I'll be honest and say I don't know an awful lot about SMI but you mention you migrated to UC, was this part of the managed migration process and what benefit did you migrate from?

Even if this was a natural migration,  reading the Government website, by claiming a qualifying legacy benefit and then claiming UC within a month of the legacy benefit ending you should qualify for SMI and not be subject to any waiting period. You should have been asked about your housing costs, including SMI, when applying for UC so maybe something went awry there.
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Whatever has happened (or not happened) you should have had a response by now. If you qualify for UC then you qualify for SMI. I would normally say leave a message on your journal but in this case I'd be tempted to make a formal complaint about the lack of response or action. I'd also agree with @silvercar and contact your MP about the matter.

M25

Keep your lender up to date as much as possible. That is essential.

Yes, contact your MP and also complain to the DWP.

I hope it gets sorted soon.

silvercar

Google the phrase ‘treating customers fairly’ and the name of your building society. That should come up with guidelines from your lender and possibly an (email) contact. Clearly the fault here isn’t the building society, but it may give you a more sympathetic contact at your building society. 

In the meantime I hope your MP or councillor can offer some help