My parents are losing out £100 per week benefit because of me!!!

panther

I would appreciate any advice on this situation. I live with my elderly parents who are both disabled and receive DLA at the high rate mobility and also the high rate care component. I myself receive IB & DLA low rate mob & low rate care. Based on their income they just qualify for a few pounds per week pension credit guarantee. If I didn't live with my parents they would be £100 per week better off in pension credit as apparently if both couples receive the high rate care component of DLA then the amount the law says they need to live on is £100 a week more - so would be topped up with pension credit.

Now I feel really awful about this because it is me living there that is preventing them from receiving this extra income as to qualify everyone in the household has to be receiving I think the middle or high rate of dla care component. As you can imagine £100 per week is a hell of a lot of money to a couple of pensioners to be missing out on. Although I live under the same roof I have no financial or any other connection that I feel should jeopardise them receiving this and I feel sorry they lose out because I also live there. Although they depend on my help at times and enjoy my company and feel safer in their own home with me being there, would the only solution for them getting what they are entitled to be for me to move out?

simpywimpy

does anyone claim carers allowance for them? If not they could up their pensioncredit by claiming they look after each other. They need the entilement, not the actual carers allowance but you apply in the same way. (they cant get carers all because they are getting pensions)

Because they are both on high rate and carers, the pension credit then goes up by £25 each, Im sure this is regardless of you living there yourself.

munchings-n-crunchings

Could your parents not claim Carer's Allowance for one another?

CA is available for a husband and wife caring for one another.

This entitlement link does not exclude due to the pension.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/CarersAllowance/DG_10012525

If it is possible, they would receive an additional £101.10.

Regards
Munchie

simpywimpy

they cant get the actual allowance as they are both retired but as I explained, if they get the entitlement sorted, their pension credit will increase

panther

Yes they are already carers for each other but don't get the allowance part just the entitlement which I think pushed up the threshold. My dad receives a small pension from work so taking that into account and the higher threshold limit he just qualifies for pension credit. I'm pretty sure they are receiving the max they are entitled to under the circumstances, just that they would be £100 better off if I wasn't there!

wildbri

but surely if you are living with your parents you are paying your way, your share of the rent, heating, electricity etc. If you didn't live there what you should contribute would cover the £100. regards bri

[Deleted User]

panther wrote: »

I would appreciate any advice on this situation. I live with my elderly parents who are both disabled and receive DLA at the high rate mobility and also the high rate care component. I myself receive IB & DLA low rate mob & low rate care. Based on their income they just qualify for a few pounds per week pension credit guarantee. If I didn't live with my parents they would be £100 per week better off in pension credit as apparently if both couples receive the high rate care component of DLA then the amount the law says they need to live on is £100 a week more - so would be topped up with pension credit.

Now I feel really awful about this because it is me living there that is preventing them from receiving this extra income as to qualify everyone in the household has to be receiving I think the middle or high rate of dla care component. As you can imagine £100 per week is a hell of a lot of money to a couple of pensioners to be missing out on. Although I live under the same roof I have no financial or any other connection that I feel should jeopardise them receiving this and I feel sorry they lose out because I also live there. Although they depend on my help at times and enjoy my company and feel safer in their own home with me being there, would the only solution for them getting what they are entitled to be for me to move out?

There is nothing you can do about your parents benefits while you continue to live with them,however your I/B + DLA income must equal if not exceed the additional benefits if you werent there,so the answer of course lies in how much you contribute to the household,if you left therefore they would lose some and gain some,so you being there isnt costing them £100 a week,providing of course you are making a contribution.

panther

The actual cost of me been there is probably very minimum and they won't accept anything from me being on such a low income myself. Perhaps you'll say more fool them but they appreciate the help and things I do which can't be quantified in monetary value - but were going off the subject. I think I'll take Dave30 advise and seek professional advice.

Oldernotwiser

panther wrote: »

The actual cost of me been there is probably very minimum and they won't accept anything from me being on such a low income myself. Perhaps you'll say more fool them but they appreciate the help and things I do which can't be quantified in monetary value - but were going off the subject. I think I'll take Dave30 advise and seek professional advice.

So, you mean they're keeping you and you have all your money for personal spending? I don't think that's off the subject at all!

healy

panther wrote: »

The actual cost of me been there is probably very minimum and they won't accept anything from me being on such a low income myself. Perhaps you'll say more fool them but they appreciate the help and things I do which can't be quantified in monetary value - but were going off the subject. I think I'll take Dave30 advise and seek professional advice.

Compared to many you have a pretty good income as you have IB and DLA and live rent free. Leaving all the money to yourself.

Thanked in error before.

Zara33

Just a random thought but does savings affect pension credit?