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On 5 April 2018, SMI benefit will end and from 6 April, SMI loans will be introduced. This means that from 6 April 2018, if you claim SMI you'll need to make sure that you pay interest on your mortgage or home improvement loans, either yourself or using the loan. The loan is voluntary and you have the choice to accept it or not.
How will I be informed about the changes to Support for Mortgage Interest?
If you were claiming SMI as a benefit before 5 April 2018, you should have been contacted in advance of your SMI benefit ending. Receiving a letter
You should have received a letter explaining the changes, and letting you know that a company called Serco, working on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be in touch over the phone. Having a phone call
You can book a call with Serco, or if not they will contact you within 3 weeks of receiving the letter. If you live with your partner, you'll both need to be there for the phone call.
Serco will discuss whether you want to accept the loan, or whether there are other ways to pay your mortgage interest if you don't accept the loan.You don't need to make a decision over the phone - take your time to think through your options and seek advice if needed. If you don't accept the loan
Think about other ways that you can pay back the interest on your mortgage. The letter you receive from DWP will outline your options, which include using other savings or investments to repay your mortgage, moving to a smaller property or seeking help from friends or family. If you accept the loan
Serco will send you a loan agreement document, which you'll need to complete and return. If you live with your partner, you'll both need to sign the agreement.
If you jointly own a property with someone who isn't your partner, you should seek advice before signing the loan agreement.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information...gage-interest/
How will I be informed about the changes to Support for Mortgage Interest?
If you were claiming SMI as a benefit before 5 April 2018, you should have been contacted in advance of your SMI benefit ending. Receiving a letter
You should have received a letter explaining the changes, and letting you know that a company called Serco, working on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be in touch over the phone. Having a phone call
You can book a call with Serco, or if not they will contact you within 3 weeks of receiving the letter. If you live with your partner, you'll both need to be there for the phone call.
Serco will discuss whether you want to accept the loan, or whether there are other ways to pay your mortgage interest if you don't accept the loan.You don't need to make a decision over the phone - take your time to think through your options and seek advice if needed. If you don't accept the loan
Think about other ways that you can pay back the interest on your mortgage. The letter you receive from DWP will outline your options, which include using other savings or investments to repay your mortgage, moving to a smaller property or seeking help from friends or family. If you accept the loan
Serco will send you a loan agreement document, which you'll need to complete and return. If you live with your partner, you'll both need to sign the agreement.
If you jointly own a property with someone who isn't your partner, you should seek advice before signing the loan agreement.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information...gage-interest/
