SPOTLIGHT ON WELFARE RIGHTS

Support For Mortgage Interest Is Changing

If you’re on certain benefits and you have a mortgage, you may be getting help from DWP to pay the interest on your mortgage. This is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) Support for Mortgage Interest is currently paid as a benefit, which you don’t have to repay. From 6 April 2018, this is changing and it will be paid as a loan - which must be repaid when you die or sell your home.

You don’t need to do anything until DWP contacts you about this change. Everyone affected will be written to and telephoned about their options. Anyone currently receiving SMI will be offered a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

You should receive a letter with an information booklet about SMI loans and details about the information support call you will receive from Serco. Serco are working on behalf of DWP to explain the changes to SMI. They will answer any questions you have about these changes.

Key Facts About The Smi Loan

•There are no fees to set up the loan.

•You don’t have to get a credit check to get the loan

•Unlike a normal loan, you don’t have to make regular repayments - unless you want to

•Interest will be added to the total amount you owe, until the loan is paid back or written off