I applied and got mine a few months ago. It is only available pre purchase and must be used for the purchase rather than for doing up the place once bought. Having applied for LSAP you then wait! Once your solicitor is close to completion, he/she will apply to PMA for the dosh. It goes straight to the solicitor i.e you do not see it. I used mine for the deposit. Word of caution though. If you can do with £5000 rather than the full £8500 do so. It will affect your tax because up to 5k it is in effect tax free. Above that the whole amount is treated as some sort of bonus and you will be taxed on the whole amount rather than the amount over 5k. That was the rule 5 months ago. Not sure if the amounts/regs are changing though.