UC and SMI for urgent house repairs

rufusindigo

I've just begun a new UC start up period as a self employed person.  Last month I earned too much for any UC payment, but this month my earnings in that business are 0 (I have some modest earnings from another self employed business). 

I've just had a few domestic crises hit at once - burgled, a rat in the house, Thames Water contacting me after identifying a leak which they initially said was their responsibility, but now they say it might be on my property in which case I have 6 weeks to fix it (costs unknown but could involve digging up and restoring my tiled garden path which could be over a thousand). 

While rat proofing under my stairs I nearly electrocuted myself by putting steel wool into a hole around a wire - it appears the rat may have chewed the plastic covering of the wire.  This obviously needs a qualified electrician and could ultimately result in the whole house needing rewiring. 

I have barely any savings and certainly not enough to cover all this.  Does anyone out there have experience of being on UC and applying for SMI to cover emergency home repairs?  What are the pros and cons?  Would it be a good idea in this situation? Many thanks and apologies for the long post!

huckster

SMI is a loan and interest is payable. And is for UC to make regular interest related payments to your mortgage company or interest on home improvement loans.

Never come across SMI for home repairs. 

Surely if you could not afford water related repair, after checking your Home Insurance about water pipe coverage, you would go back to Thames Water to explain circumstances and I would expect that Thames Water would complete repair, charging you an extra amount on your future water bills.

You could speak to your local Citizens Advice, to see what help is available locally.

Getting help with home improvements - Citizens Advice https://share.google/mVru6DUbu19Rbnmrw

sheramber

SMI is paid direct to your mortgage lender as a payment towards the interest payable on the loan. It is a loan that has to be repaid when you sell the house or it changes hands. 

Assuming you have a mortgage you could ask your lender about a payment by holiday if money is tight.