Support for mortgage Interest.

Does anyone know if Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is affected by Permitted Work?

SMI is not a subject on which we would offer advice, although it is a component part of IS on the grounds of disability and income-related ESA.

Other members may however have experience of SMI and permitted work, but you could also find advice on this particular issue by contacting the Benefits Enquiry Line.

This service only deals generally about sickness and/or disability benefits, so it is not necessary to divulge your name or indeed any other personal details.

I note that you can earn up to £95 a week on Permitted Work if you are on ESA and this won't affect you Housing Benefit either.

Does this apply to income-based and contribution-based ESA?

Just so that you know; our experience was that mortgage interest assistance could continue on permitted work (as we had an entitlement to income support), hence the mortgage interest payment (capped at £100K mortgage).

However, I would urge real caution as our claim later on became exceptionally complicated and resulted in benefits stopping and all kinds of stress.

I think it would be strongly advisable to have a face to face meeting with someone at your local Job Centre Plus office before embarking on this, and if necessary, ask that the Manager agree that the permitted work will not affect your entitlement to mortgage assistance.

Good luck.