Relief Entitlement

[whiskeryron]

I am not sure that I am in the right category but I need advice from you lovely people on A/B. A friend of mine & his twin brother have inherited their late mother's house. My friend is desperately trying to get a job & has been unemployed for quite a long time, his twin brother is employed & is having to fund all outgoings out of a very low salary including council tax. My friend & I think that this is unfair & we are wondering if any relief is available to help with funding, we would be so grateful if someone could advise in this matter.

[buildersmate]

Is this help to maintain the house which is empty?

Are they not intending to sell it?

[CheekyChops]

What outgoings? Are either of them living in the property or is it empty?

[scooping]

Just sell the house

[whiskeryron]

Hi buildersmate. They are both living in the house where they have always lived when mum was alive & struggling to cope. My friend is worried that because they live in the same house they would be classed the same as a married or unmarried couple living together, & of course they are two separate single people so how can they be classed as responsible for each other because they are living in the same house ? Also can my friend claim council tax relief because he is not earning ?

[factor-fiction]

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/
This may help.
Is the unemployed person already getting benefits?

[factor-fiction]

I'm not sure what has changed financially except that presumably the mother had some income before she died.

[themas]

They are not a couple for benefit purposes so each should be able to claim whatever benefits he is entitled to in his own name. The council tax bill in this sort of case should be split in half & the unemployed one should be able to get help with his half. He needs to apply to the local council. I assume he already gets job seekers allowance.

The employed one may also be entitled to some help if his income is low enough. If he is working at least 30 hours per week & on a very low income he may get working tax credit. He should ring 0345 300 3900 to enquire. He may also get some help with his share of the council tax.