Hi - looks like I'll be splitting from my partner of 25 years. Tried calling local CAB but didn't get through to make benefits appointment so called local council's benefit help line. The guy I spoke to got flummoxed by my questions and told me a supervisor would call back - of course they didn't. Have found some info at directgov but have specific issues.
I have 5 DC ( 1 at uni so no benefits) and have been SAHM with small bits of freelace work for many years. If P lets me stay on in house this is the situation. Have an over 200k (interest oly)mortgage on the house in joint names and an interest rate of 4.6% (due to self employment). The new rules on mortgage benefit (SMI) say benefit will start after 12 weeks on the first 200k only and at 3.63% only for 2 years max - leaving me with a big shortfall to make up (I have no money at all as P is finacially and emotionally abusive). So staying looks like a no go - but if I did (until a sale went through) and the mortgage company agreed does the SMI benefit get paid on the whole 200k or only my 50% share?
If I can find a rental (dss, no deposit - ha!) will the fact I own half the equity in a house prevent me from getting HB (until I get my equity from the sale and use that for rent)
Am I totally boned?
It is ironic -the mortgage payment on my house is much less than the family next door are paying in rent with full HB.
Any help appreciated