Any benefit experts out there? Query on benefits when left home due to domestic abuse

[splishsplosh]

I'm currently in a refuge, I've left my home which is solely in my name, and at the time I left the mortgage was being paid by DWP as I was on IS.

lthough in these situations it's possible to claim dual housing benefit for up to a year, DWP have said when it's a mortgage they only pay for 4 weeks, and anything longer seems to be at their discretion based on what I am doing to resolve the situation.

This means I'll either have to return to the situation or be repossessed. Anyone know if this is the right decision by DWP?

Hi there,

As far as i'm aware, the DWP should pay your mortgage but i think there is a limit as to how much they will pay.

Citizens Advice are really good with these sort of queries.

Also try Gingerbread www.gingerbread.org.uk/portal/page/portal/Website

They are amazing at helping single parents and their advice to me was invaluable. they have a helpline which is free on most mobile networks.

I really hope you get things sorted. I've been there with a abusive partner and it can destroy you but believe me you CAN come through it. I'm living proof of that.

Good luck.

x

is there not a benefits advice worker that is due to come along to the refuge?

i know this is something that was offered to me.

you could also ring shelter, they may be able to help you

I've posted on ;relationship' page today too as getting advice on my abusive partner. Thought I would ask if anyone knew where I would stand legally if our mortgage is in joint names, we have 2 ds's, however, I can't go on how we are. My partner is verbally abusing me and is so arrogant, he lost it the other morning and threw me on to the bed with his hands round my throat in front of my 2 sons aged 3 and 1. I can't bring them up like this anymore and want him out the house. I was so close to going to the police on Tuesday morning and now wish I had. Any advice would be appreciated.

Sorry re last post, meant to do a post of my own, which I have....hope you doing ok and I am in a similar situation!

Thanks for your advice
No we don't get a benefits advice worker here.
I've contacted Shelter who think it might be ok but they're not benefits specialists so advised me to try legal advice line, or local specialist.
I did speak to CAB but they said they'd try and find out and haven't come back to me - it's frustrating, as I've enough to worry about without this!

Myweestars - sorry to hear you're in a similar position - my dc are the same age as yours too. I really hope you can get out of the situation asap, but know it's hard

If the house you owned is in your sole name and you were on IS then you are unlikely to get HB as well as the mortgage paid.

If you were living with someone (not sure as IS is usually a single parent benefit) then they may expect the other person to leave and you either move back or sell the house.

Splishsplosh....you got this sorted yet?

Do you intend to return to former home,

If so You need to ask CAB or benefits agency if

DMG 23454 and DMG 23441 to 23442 apply.

I think they are applying DMG 23443 in error without considering the full facts.

Its extremely likely the person you are dealing with is not trained in this matter and just relaying what they have been told. Have you had that decision in writing? If not you need it and then you can appeal.

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/ch23-23272.pdf

Hi, thanks onadietcokebreak-
no, not sorted it yet
I'm supposed to prove I'm trying to resolve the situation, so I need a letter from my solicitor, but they're taking ages to send it - then need to send it to benefits people for their consideration - presume they'll then give decision in writing... meanwhile don't know how patient my mortgage company will be.

I'd return if I thought he'd stay away, and I'd return at least in the short term if had to sell it (he's left me with debts)

I'll have a look into what you've mentioned

Ok so they are looking to see if you are taking reasonable steps to resolve the situation. As soon as you get the letter from the solictor get it sent. Wait 3 days and then phone to confirm receipt.

You may need to chase this every other day and if no joy after 2 weeks raise a formal complaint in writing clearly marked complaint....that'll get it moving.

a year ago i left my partner due to domestic violence. moved with my 2 ds & stayed with my sister. both our names were on the morgage. spoke to a solictor she said that as the house was in negative equilty there was no point selling. was told that you can get payement towards your morgage but can take up to 9 months & they will pay about £300 so if i had moved back in i would 'nt have been able to afford it anyway. the council said that as i owned a house they would not help me. i did'nt want to go back anyway as i would have never felt safe so i live a few hundred miles away now where the council has helped me by paying hb. my partner stopped paying morgage, would not agree to rent it out so now my house is in the process of being repersessed. to be honest its crap & a nightmare but its still worth it to be without him. hope that helps & good luck

Just to say - got a call Monday confirming the mortgage team had my letters from solicitor and refuge, (that one quoted the bits onadietcokebreak mentioned) and had been passed to a decision maker

The very next day they rang me to say they would pay the mortgage for up to 52 weeks, if it took that long to resolve the situation. Would stop if I'm away for longer.

Am so pleased as it's taken at least 1 hassle away

so thank you very much onadietcokebreak - I'm sure it helped to be able to refer to those sections of the handbook

Splishsplosh. Thats fantastic news.

Unfortuanately just another shining example of how the system is failing as the staff as not getting the right training.....thank god I have left!