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Housing Benefit refused due to marital property
Hi I was hoping someone can give me some pointers on this case.
I have a lady who is in arrears as the council will not pay out Housing Benefit to her as she still owns her marital property. The lady who is 59 lost her job about 6 months ago and is claiming Jobseeker allowance. She separated almost 5 years from her husband and moved out. He is still living in the property as he says he cant afford to buy her out, therefore the property is not on the market nor has they been any step to try and sell it. Her husband claims he will be homeless and refuses to move out, meanwhile the lady was paying her own rent up till she lost her job and is now struggling. I am not sure if there is anyway she could claim HB as she is unable to sell it due to her husband. I know if it is on the market or reasonable steps are taken then usually they would disregard the property for at-least 6 months. Not sure what to advice, apart from put it on the market??
any help appreciated