help with mortgage

[lil75]

Ive probably posted this in the wrong section, but dont know where else to put it, My friend and her fella had a mortgage, to cut a long story short, he has gone to prison for 2 and a half years, and she cannot pay the mortgage and other bills on her income. She has been renting the flat out and the tenant is not renewing his contract. My mate is staying with her fellas mum n dad and the mother is putting a lot of pressure on her, doesnt want her going out much etc which I think is unfair, my mate told me she just wants to go home, back to the flat, but cant afford it on her own, would she be entitled to any benefit or help with the mortgage, as she is obviously on her own for the next 2 years?

[Ethel]

It depends on her income - she may be entitled to some benefits if it is too low. Did she tell the mortgage company, the insurance company and the tax man she had been renting?

If so, her mortgage may come down if she is no longer renting, and so should her insurances.

She may have no option but to sell the flat.

[lil75]

Hi Ethel, Yes she declared everything, I feel sorry for her, as her life is being ruled and she is very stressed at the moment, im a bit worrie about her....she desperately wants to go home, but obviously cant afford it all on her own...horrible scenario x

[Ethel]

Could she take a lodger? And get a part time job?

[lil75]

Its only a 1bed flat so a lodger is out of the question, I will suggest an evening job to her, and maybe get her to ring the benefits section to see where she stands, her fella is only 3 months into the sentence, and the pressure the mum is putting on her is unbelievable, my mate is also drinking a bottle of wine every night to try and help her sleep, and shes not normally like that

[Ethel]

It's tough - how long is he in for, and is she going to stay with him?

It's going to be hard for him to get work when he comes out, so it's not going to be easy.

[lil75]

Yes she is standing by him, she loves him very much. It was basically a horrendous car accident with tragic results. He is generally a good and respectable man...I just wish his mum would get off her case and give the poor woman some space

[Ethel]

There will have to be give and take.

It can't be easy for the mother either - son in prison, having a woman she possibly doesn't like living under her roof.

It' a hard situation for everyone.

[lil75]

I know, well thanks for your time in talking to me about it, will just have to see how it goes at the moment x

[Ethel]

Get her to the CAB for help with benefits;

or trawl through this:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersG uideToBenefits/DG_4016805

or contact these people:

http://www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk/ph p/bin/readarticle.php?articlecode=9241

[lil75]

ahh thanks Ethel, for all your time and trouble, your a star! x