under tougher new plans

• 239,000 people turned to SMI in 2012 to help with mortgage payments
• Rumoured plan will turn the benefit into a 'loan'
• Government would recoup money when person sells home or dies

Homeowners who turn to help on mortgage payments after losing employment could be forced to give up a stake in their property under new rumoured proposals from the Government. Under the current system, unemployed homeowners can claim Support for Mortgage Interest 13 weeks after signing up for Jobseeker’s Allowance and other income-related benefits. This support helps jobseekers keep up with interest on payments and in turn avoid a potential eviction after falling on hard times. Data shows this benefit was paid to 239,000 people to the tune of £400million last year - it is an important lifeline for many. But according to a report in the Financial Times, the Government is considering new plans for the state to recoup some of this money when claimants sell their home or die.....Read more here