Apologies for long post, but after some advice please.
2007, following my wife's terminal illness diagnosis, i gave up work to be her full time carer and my wife and i moved into my Nan's bungalow (Nan was in Nursing home). We signed a formal tenance agreement & paid £600 rent per month. Amongst the benefits we claimed, housing benefit contributed.
August 2012 my wife dies. I notified the relevant benefits people and all benefits stopped. Instead of going back on job seeking benefits i started up small business as self employed and claim WTC
Sept 2012 my Nan dies. The bungalow was left to my mum who agreed to continue renting to me, but as was on my own, struggling with business start up, we agreed rent of £450. A formal tenancy agreement was drawn up and signed.
Present day - Due to low income, i have put in request for HB. They seem satisfied with everything but are questioning why the rent is low at £450 when it would normally be nearer £600.
The honest answer is that it was felt £450 was a fair figure, considering there is no agent costs involved, i agreed to cover/carry out any maintenance issues, and Mum (landlord) is assured the property will be kept in good repair (shown over last 5 years of me living here)
I have never hidden anything from benefits people, and i dont wish to start now, however i am a little nervous that a genuine gesture may prevent my claim. Can anyone suggest the best way of answering this question
2007, following my wife's terminal illness diagnosis, i gave up work to be her full time carer and my wife and i moved into my Nan's bungalow (Nan was in Nursing home). We signed a formal tenance agreement & paid £600 rent per month. Amongst the benefits we claimed, housing benefit contributed.
August 2012 my wife dies. I notified the relevant benefits people and all benefits stopped. Instead of going back on job seeking benefits i started up small business as self employed and claim WTC
Sept 2012 my Nan dies. The bungalow was left to my mum who agreed to continue renting to me, but as was on my own, struggling with business start up, we agreed rent of £450. A formal tenancy agreement was drawn up and signed.
Present day - Due to low income, i have put in request for HB. They seem satisfied with everything but are questioning why the rent is low at £450 when it would normally be nearer £600.
The honest answer is that it was felt £450 was a fair figure, considering there is no agent costs involved, i agreed to cover/carry out any maintenance issues, and Mum (landlord) is assured the property will be kept in good repair (shown over last 5 years of me living here)
I have never hidden anything from benefits people, and i dont wish to start now, however i am a little nervous that a genuine gesture may prevent my claim. Can anyone suggest the best way of answering this question