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Has anyone taken out an SMI loan?

2 replies

WhatAPickleThisIsAtXmas · 12/04/2024 10:20

If so, how was it applying? Do you feel its been helpful? Did you pay it back upon selling or transfer the loan?

I'm on my own with two sons, one of which has disabilities, he has no wraparound care and I bought a house outside of our village where they go to school/get the bus to school. I was desperate as we were homeless. My grandmother gave me a deposit and I used the LIFT scheme.

I am on my knees, the house has so much needed to do that I didn't notice and wasn't on the home report. I'm ashamed to say, I'm jealous of people in council houses right now. We hate our house and it doesn't feel safe because so much needs done. We had raw sewage coming up the loo couple of weeks ago, the roof is leaking in 3 places I know of, the bathroom had caused huge water damage and had to be ripped out and new put in.

I can't save money. I can't catch my breath. I am in debt, although im fortunate that the bulk is mainly family I owe (9k). I have a personal loan of 3k, I haven't been able to afford council tax since we moved in.

Will an SMI Loan help me catch a breath? I am topped up by universal credit. I have worked in my career area for 6 years, I have a Masters degree in it. I don't know how I'd manage around the boys, but I'm looking for FT work, although if I lose my universal credit I also lose scottish child payment, so it feels like I don't move in salary or find a job that includes a huge leap in salary. I just want to provide for my sons, I feel like a failure.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 13/04/2024 00:25

I'm not sure you can even claim SMI if you are working, or have I misunderstood and you aren't currently working?

Bromptotoo · 13/04/2024 08:27

I though the rules on SMI and working were to be changed as part of of BoJo's 'benefits to bricks' initiative?

But Sch 5 Para 2 of the 2013 Regs still seem to bar access where there are earnings.

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