General Chat

Just in case anyone has any ideas on this. See below Ann Glos

18 year old girl, just finished temp contract, out of work, getting £45 Job Seekers Allowance a week. Mother moved to Spain with new partner. Bought a house and charges two daughter (one 23 and the 18 year old) £300 a month rent towards the mortgage. Obviously the 18 year old has a problem because the sums don't add up, rent + food etc). Older sister threatening to throw 18 year old out and get a lodger in who can pay (sisters don't get on). She obviously doesn't want to lose the house. Without stating the obvious that you can't understand how a Mother can leave a child in this situation. Has anyone any advice as to any other money she can access. Ann Glos

I would contact the CAB but surely she should be entitled to housing benefit or something to help her towards her half of the rent. They may not help as it is her mother who owns the house though. Sorry I can't be of anymore help. I hope things work out for her. Jackiexx

Think CAB might be a good place to start, see what her rights are and if she can claim housing benefit or income support! Perhaps a letter or phone call to Mum and get it all sorted, what kind of sister throws you out when you're down! Wouldn't leave my kids in this mess, it's all wrong! Good luck to young lady concerned!! Nanna-Moo ;-)

Ann She might be best to talk to them at the benefit office she might be able to get housing benefit Julie

Definately get intouch with council to see if she's entitled to Housing/Council tax Benefit. What an awful situation for her Ann, hope she gets sorted out soon. Heather x

She should beable to claim housing benifit which should cover her rent,she can get a form from her local council and they will help her fill it in. Shirley Ann.

My cousin had the same problem and the decision came back from HB as denied, one because he didnt have a legal rent contract, and second his landlord was his mum.

What an awful situation to be in. Agree she needs help from someone who knows, i.e CAB or social worker. Unfortunately, here's what Disabilities Alliance Hand book says about claiming housing Benefit. You cannot get HB if you live with your landlord who is a close relative: this includes sister. The question is whose name is the Rent Book/renting agreement in - yes you must have a rent book/agreement to claim HB. If it is only in sisters name - end of story unless she can get her own separate rent book/agreement. Re Job Seekers allowance - £45.50 is the basic figure for 18-24 year olds. You can get 'certain housing costs' provided your capital is not over a certain figure. The same conditions apply as for Income Support. 'Mortgage interest payments' 'interest on loads for certain repairs and improvements' 'service charges payable as a condition of occupancy under a lease that relate to the provision of adequate accommodation. House insurance can be included if payments are made under the terms of lease. 'ground rent or other rent payable under a long lease of over 21 years' 'payments under a co-ownership scheme' She should make an appointment at her JSA centre and ask if she is entitled to more help above the basic JSA. Hope this helps Dorothy

I think you'll find that the older sister cannot throw her out as its not her property!!!!! The mother would have to make that decision!! If they do not have a proper contract she will have not a hope in hell of claiming HB! But on the plus side if there is no contract the girl is legally entitled to be there rent free until the mother says otherwise.

She won't be able to get any help with the rent as it is being paid to a relative. Monica

Agree with Diane if there's no contract whatsoever - she can only be put out by her mother. However, if the contract is solely in her sisters name then she is the legal sitting tenant and can say who can or cannot stay in the house. It wouldn't look nice of course if she did throw her out but unfortunately some people have no consciences and have skin as thick as rhinos. She really needs her own rental contract and get advice sooner rather than later from CAB/JSA. Dorothy

thank you all for your replies, mostly confirming what I thought. although I did not know that the £45 was a basic. This is my grandson's girlfriend so I will suggest she look into that. I too don't think the sister can throw her out. I don't know what the girl has told her mother of the situation, or why she was left when Mum went to spain (I do wonder if Mum wanted her to go with her and she refused.) The other strange thing is that Father is not far away. maybe she has not approached him.. strange some families there is no way I would have abandoned my kids. Anyway thank you all, you have given me food for thought. Ann Glos