Housing and Benefits

[Melhuish]

Hi, I wonder if anyone else has experience of this!

Looking for a flat for my son - the local council suggested Help to Buy 3 HOLD where we put down a deposit and housing benefit would be used to help towards mortgage.

We have hit a problem, he is on the PIPs Work Support benefit. We have to say he will never work again (tough). I have not told my son. His GP is willing to writer a letter to this effect but I think that could be detrimental to him.

If we go down this route he'd be re-assessed by DWP, and his whole benefits might be reviewed causing some loss (CAB state on-line). When we filled out the HOLD form we were ambiguous about the work question - because you just dont know if someone might work again, and so he is not eligible for a flat. (The Council are not able to rehouse).

Has anyone got any information they can share or had similar experiences.

THanks to Headway who have been amazing with their support 0- could not have survived without the help..

Mags

[1949liz]

Good morning Melkuish, have you considered private renting, some landlord would rent you a flat, apartment or a room in a house as long as you are prepared to sigh a letter to the landlord saying that the rent will be payed by directly from the council to the landlord. It’s worth a try. Have a nice day love Liz x🌹🙏

[Pairofboots]

Have you tried under the housing act, he might be classed as severely mentally impaired, I know not nice wording, but that is the legal wording. This means that you can claim a portion of your council tax back. Your son, if he lived on his own, he would be exempt of council tax.

It's worth looking into the Housing Act and the Discrimination Act. Unfortunately you do have to use some brutal language. I know that we don't always know the right terminology to use, and it can be very raw, but legal speak doesn't do PC. You have probably come across this when filling in benefit forms. I know when I have completed these forms, I look back at them, and think, I have a rubbish life, but you have to use language they understand.

Even if it does mean having to have his PIP re-assessed, using the right language, might increase his points. I know it is a lot of faff and stress, but if you can explain to your son that the language used isn't nice, but it is the right words for the form, it might make it a little easier on him.

I wish you well.

[Pairofboots]

Whether they have heard about ABI, they should be aware of the Housing Act and severe mental impairment. They cannot refuse to back date the awared, they are breaking the law, as they would be to question why you haven't claimed earlier.

I'm glad that you have got the reduction. But get on to the council tax department about backdating the award. If they refuse, get the reason in writing. The law is clear. Go on the gov.uk sight and read up about the housing act in relation to SMI.

I didn't have a problem with my current council, but did have to point out the legal requirement for my previous council.

Glad for you, but don't let the buggers off. Good luck.

Thanks for letting me know.

[Bluesoul]

Hi did you end up applying for ths hold scheme in the end? Has it worked out for your son?