Buying a House but need to go on UC

Pan

Hello community,

So the following problem: I am disabled and currently off work, OH doesn't want me back until I am better but I struggle to get help for my issues with the NHS. Therefore I can't see myself going back to work anytime soon, possibly never.

Now we are in midst of buying a shared ownership property, our expenses are going to be the same as private so it is a no brainer. We are moving so we have a more accessible place, are closer to our MIL so I can get help and someone to make sure I am okay and an outside space as I can't walk much

I will loose my pay in November and will be only on SSP and PIP (higher|lower) for 3 months. Spouse is an apprentice and makes below national minimum wage until at least February.

I wonder how UC deals with this situation? The deposit takes us over the limit but it's technically not really ours anymore, the sale is close to finish (Nov/Dec). We will be left with less than £6k. Is there anyway this money could be disregarded? (I know I am being very hopeful here!). Or any other help and support I am not aware of we could get? Am I right to assume buying the place won't count as deprivation of capital, as that's obviously not the intention.

Kimi87

There is potential for the deposit to be disregarded, yes.

See point 12.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/376/schedule/10

The home you live in is not counted as capital for UC purposes. Buying a home to live in is not counted as DoC.

You should also look at Council Tax Reduction.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

And some other help PIP qualifies you for:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/138442/what-discounts-and-free-help-is-available-with-pip

66Mustang

The one thing I'd add is if you've taken out a mortgage on the proportion you've bought, and you are thinking of claiming for housing benefit (or whatever it's called when you claim UC), I don't think you can use housing benefit to pay the mortgage… you can only use it to pay the rent