Law Firm Seeks Clarity From The Department For Work And Pensions Over Changes To Support For Mortgage Interest

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have asked the Government to urgently suspend its decision to introduce changes to payments that help people with disabilities live independently whilst further clarification on the decision is sought.  

On 5 April 2018, the Department for Work and Pensions plans to cease its Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) benefit, which helps those on income support meet the interest on the mortgage repayments for their home.

However, many claimants were only informed that this benefit will be ending on 5 March 2018, providing just one months’ notice.

They include Miss Stevenson, a 36-year-old woman from Hertfordshire who has Down’s syndrome and lives in a property purchased specifically to meet her needs for 24 hour care and support.

Miss Stevenson uses her SMI benefit towards the costs of her mortgage. Whilst the Government has advised Miss Stevenson and other claimants that an SMI loan can be offered as an alternative to the benefit, no information about the loan has been provided.

Expert Opinion

Our client has relied on her SMI benefit for many years to be able to live in the community in her own home. The letter that her family have received without any notice has caused them considerable anxiety.

“If the changes come into effect on 6 April it will give Miss Stevenson and her family no time to make alternative arrangements, and they are very worried that if the payment ceases she will be in danger of falling into debt and subsequently would be at risk of losing her home.” Polly Sweeney - Partner

Miss Stevenson’s mother said: “It is astonishing that the DWP is only sending out these letters one month before the benefit stops and with no apparent transitional arrangements in place.

“We now call on the DWP to postpone its plans, allowing thousands of vulnerable people who will be affected by these changes to try and put measures in place so they can continue to enjoy their independence in their own homes.”

Recipients currently receive SMI payments as a benefit, but from next month it will become a loan scheme. Those currently receiving payments will have to reapply and the DWP has said there is no guarantee all applications will be approved.  

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling human rights cases.