SMI: You do not qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest while in prison serving a sentence or on remand. But, your partner might.
Note: The name of your partner does not need to be included on the home mortgage to qualify for SMI.
How to Claim SMI while On Remand
You may be able to continue receiving Support for Mortgage Interest if you are single and on remand. But, to get it you must meet all of the eligibility conditions.
You cannot claim Income Support or SMI if you are part of a couple and on remand. Nonetheless, your partner can still claim for most benefit and housing costs.
Note: If you are on remand you cannot make a new claim for Support for Mortgage Interest.
Support for Mortgage Interest Payments
If you are on remand, SMI loan payments can only be made through Pension Credit or through Income Support.
You may have been getting SMI through Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance or the Employment and Support allowance. Thus, you will need to apply for one of the qualifying benefits to receive the payments.
Even so, you will only get the housing costs part of the Pension Credit or the Income Support benefits.
Note: You do not get help with interest payments for the first 39 weeks if you apply for them through Income Support.
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
How Benefits Work | Check out your rights to financial benefit entitlements in Great Britain.
Prison and Probation | Explaining the role of Her Majesty’s Prison Service in the United Kingdom.