A loan to help pay the interest on your mortgage if you get certain benefits, repaid when you sell or transfer your home.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) offers
- Paid to lender: Payments go directly to your mortgage lender.
- Secured loan: The loan is secured against your home.
- Partial write-off: If the sale doesn't cover it, the remainder may be written off.
- Home improvement loans: Pension Credit claimants can get help with some home improvement loans.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | Homeowners getting Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain legacy benefits |
| How much | Interest on up to £200,000 of your mortgage (£100,000 if on Pension Credit), at the SMI standard rate |
| How it's paid | Directly to your lender |
| Repayment | A loan secured on your home, repaid with interest when you sell or transfer ownership |
| How to claim | DWP will contact you if you're eligible after claiming a qualifying benefit |
Key points
Paid to lender: Payments go directly to your mortgage lender.
Secured loan: The loan is secured against your home.
Partial write-off: If the sale doesn't cover it, the remainder may be written off.
About Department for Work and Pensions
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.