hi, im looking for some advice for a friend who has had a marital breakdown. he has had some mental and emotional problems caused mainly by a ongoing back prblem and operation for it. he is now unable to work and receives dla. his wife has justifiably removed herself from the family home because of his mood with the kids because she felt unsafe (there has been no violence) and refuses to return unless he moves out. my question is can he get housing benefit for a flat even though he has his own home with mortgage which also needs to be paid. his wife only works part time. is their only viable financial option to sell the house. hope you can answer this problem as have had little success elsewhere
thanks,Mark
That's a tricky one - it might be worth speaking to his local council saying that he is about to become homeless because his wife is throwing him out (I don't think you can get benefit if you make yourself voluntarily homeless) which is basically what is likely to happen during a divorce settlement. Could be worth having a word with the Citizens Advice Bureau on this.
That is a difficult one, but one thing I do know, they will not give him housing while he has a house in joint names. I suspect the same will be said for housing benefit.
I think your friend needs to speak to CAB or other agency who specialises in benefits.