Money for parents on a low income
Q&A
“We started buying our house three years ago and we’re worried about what will happen when I stop work to have our baby in a few months’ time. Can we get any help before the 39-week waiting period is up?”- Sarla
It’s possible that your mortgage lender may be able to help before the benefits office can, as some mortgage agreements allow for a few months’ ‘repayment holiday’ during the term of the mortgage. The important thing is to tell your lender as soon as you get into difficulties, explaining that you’d like to temporarily reduce your mortgage payments while you’re on maternity leave. If you have Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance, you’ll need to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurance policies will still pay out if you are receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance but not if you are only receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. Your insurer will be able to confirm this for you.
How to claim
- If you’re claiming Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support, your Jobcentre Plus should automatically send you Form MI 12, which is all about housing costs. If you haven’t received this form, you’ll need to request one.
- Fill out your section of the form, and then send it on to your mortgage lender to fill out the rest.
- The money will either be paid to you as part of your Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support, or directly to your mortgage lender.
Council Tax Benefit
As well as receiving help with your rent or mortgage, you can also ask for help to pay part, or even all, of your Council Tax if your income is low, and you do not need to be getting other benefits to qualify. The amount you get will depend on your circumstances, income, savings and whether other adults live with you. If you haven’t already received a Council Tax claim form, you can request one from your local council.
Tip! If you are the only adult living in your home, you should be getting a ‘single occupancy discount’ on your Council Tax. If your bill doesn’t show this discount, just contact the council and ask them to update your information.