ESA and mortgages

Is there anywhere that sets out in detail the rules about assistance with mortgage interest payments for those on ESA?

In one guide I read it said that for a mortgage taken out whilst on ESA, the assistance is limited to no more than was being paid in Housing Benefit for that person for the first year but that's all I've come across so far. Even that's ambiguous and could either mean that after one year, all assistance ceases or after one year, the assistance can go up if necessary to cover the interest.

Thanks Gordon, they are a bit clearer but is there anywhere that I can read the actual law/rules regarding SMI, as I need to know exactly what the situation is and can't just refer to these webpages if I have to argue my case with the DWP.

I note the Shelter page says that interest on loans up to £200,000 can be claimed until 31 March 2015 and the waiting period is reduced from 39 weeks to 13 weeks until 31 March 2015 as well. That's today, so do we know what the situation is now?

Thanks Gordon, that looks very useful. I'll have a good read of that.