How do I pay for Home Repairs ?

10/03/2008

Please can you help? I am on Income Support, and recently have had to have the flat roof of my cottage extension re-done because it was leaking through the bathroom ceiling. It was especially bad last November when we had the storms.

 

My house and contents insurance will not cover the cost of the repair which was £918, but they will cover part of the cost of the bathroom ceiling. This for me is terrible, and I've had to use the money saved for routine expenses - such as gas, electricity and insurance renewal. Can any charity or Government department help me with this? 

 

Reader in Berkshire

 

 

The Benefits Doctor says:

 

It can be very difficult to find the money for repairs when you are a homeowner. I would always recommend contacting your local council’s Home Improvement Agency before undertaking any repairs or improvements. They help older, disabled and vulnerable homeowners or private tenants to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their homes and they would be able to advise you. Foundations can help you find your local Home Improvement Agency. Contact the Foundations Head Office on 01457 891909.

 

 

 

Billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year by older people - often because the “system” seems confusing and demeaning.  MT‘s “Benefits Doctor” Lee Healey, the manager of leading London charity DABD (UK),  is here to help! Lee writes a “Benefits Doctor” column for Mature Times every month. You can write to him with your questions headed “Benefits Enquiries by email to: jayne.warren@maturetimes.co.uk. We cannot promise to answer all enquiries, but we will certainly do our best