I have a good and long-standing friend who is pulling her hair out because of her daughter's circumstances and I would really appreciate some help etc.
The Daughter is suffering from a long-term disability and is unable to work, but does receive some form of disability living allowance.
Her husband is very controlling and abusive both of her and their child (a 15 year old girl). She would ideally like to leave the family home that is solely in the name of her husband (despite them having bought it whilst they were married).
My friend tells me that the benefits her daughter receives would be insufficient for her to rent a property if she were to move out of the marital home.
I have always assumed that, were she to move out she should be able to potentially claim half the equity in their home plus half of any other family assets (savings, pension etc).
I further assumed that were she to move out that she could potentially claim some form of housing assistance due to her low income.
Is this correct?
If her GP has a social prescriber, she should get in contact with them, and they’ll be able to help guide her to suitable services.
Social Prescriber.... Never heard of them thanks.
"abusive" Google your county's domestic abuse support service and take their advice, guidance & support.
Make sure she is clear that there is an adult and a child being abused.
Also your local authorities child / adult social care service can be contacted for protection from abuse.
Women's Aid would be a good starting point.
They have services that are specific to each UK nation.
My sister in law is in a similar situation. Refuge have offered useful advice in terms of signposting to other places that could help. Contact them (Refuge) and even if they don't fall within their parameters for help they should be able to help with other charities that can. Make use of initial free consultations with law firms to get an idea of what the next steps can be in terms of equity.
Contact the local authority's housing department for advice on housing, in my exclusive they really just want to help. But yes, income below a certain threshold, disability, and UC are all strong indicators that assistance can be provided. They'll also have a crisis protocol.
It's a horrendous situation to be in, i really hope she and her daughter can manage to escape.
I thankfully have no practical advice to offer on the subject, but thank you to those above who have suggested practical sources of help.
@Eyepic if you set up a go fund me on the quiet, I'll chip in to provide some money that might help in the first weeks of a move. I'm sure other kind folks on here would too.