already claiming carers allowance, can i claim for dla for myself?

daska

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

Certainly, from where I'm sitting - someone with ME/CFS cannot adequately care for two severely disabled children.

Really PBS? Can I remind you what you stated not so long back on another thread

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

If you want to have an opinion, take it to "Discussion Time" or "Money Saving Arms" - not this board.

This board is for cold, hard facts. It's not for people that cannot spell properly to spout misinformed opinions.

Sorry, obviously the difference is that you can spell, therefore it's ok for you to express an opinion.

The OP has not stated anything about the care she provides or what other care is provided, therefore your opinion is irrelevant. The fact is that the OP can claim DLA and Carer's allowance if she is legally entitled to them.

frugalmumof4

thankyou for all your input, and the support from many on the board!

sky11

Frugalmumof4
Don't forget with that level of DLA coming into the house that you could claim a reduction on your Council tax bill to that of a property in the next valuation band below the one it it currently in.
To claim fill in a form. Your home much have
. A room other than a bathroom kitchen or lavatory that is mainly used by the peron with a disability or
. A second bathroom or second kitchen or
. Extra space inside the home which is needed for wheelchair use.

This reduction in Council tax is particularly satisfying to claim when Council tax bills are excessive anyway.

PolishBigSpender

daska wrote: »

The OP has not stated anything about the care she provides or what other care is provided, therefore your opinion is irrelevant. The fact is that the OP can claim DLA and Carer's allowance if she is legally entitled to them.

She may also risk losing the Carer's Allowance aspect if it is determined that her disability prevents her from providing care for her disabled children.

A bit of common sense is required here, that's all.

webtalk

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

She may also risk losing the Carer's Allowance aspect if it is determined that her disability prevents her from providing care for her disabled children.

A bit of common sense is required here, that's all.

Common sense has nothing to do with it. The law either does or doesn't allow for something, no matter how illogical one might find it (though I personally don't find this scenario illogical).

As long as she is 'caring' more than 35 hours per week, she will NOT lose it - absolutely NOT.

The definition of caring is very loose. She doesn't need to be physically active and able to be a carer. She could be giving emotional care and support. If OP 'cares' for more than 35 hours a week, and able to call an ambulance in case of an emergency, then she's eligible for Carers Allowance.

So, OP, you CAN still claim Carers Allowance if you claim and are awarded DLA.

And, to improve matters more, if there are just the three of you living in the household (nobody else), and you are awarded the Middle Rate level of Care, and your children fit the definition of being able to 'care', then all three of you could apply for Carers Allowance (A cares for B, B cares for C, and C cares for A). What I don't know is if there is a minimum age once can claim Carers Allowance.

But assuming your children fit the profile ...

If the three of you get Income Support, and you could all top up your Income Support by quite a whopping rate as you'd all be able to get Severe Disability Premium and a Carers Premium added onto your Income Support. This'll bring in quite a bit of extra money.

Go and speak to your local CAB about this because there are 'overlapping benefits' rules and a few other things that you need to understand.

gregg1

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

She may also risk losing the Carer's Allowance aspect if it is determined that her disability prevents her from providing care for her disabled children.

A bit of common sense is required here, that's all.

no - what is needed here is that you stop spouting on issues you have no real knowledge of. You seem to delight in pointing out the negative to people and in the course of doing that cause them needless worry.

To the OP - ring the DLA and speak to someone. They will tell you if you have a further claim and whether it is worth while pursuing it. It is certainly worth speaking to them. In the first instance, the person you speak to is not the decision maker but someone who will help and advise you. Good luck.

frugalmumof4

hi, i rang the dla and they are sending me out a form. I am going to speak to the carers allowance team this morning. I didnt realise I was going to stir up squabbles on the board, so sorry for starting a thread that has turned into this, and thankyou to everyone that has shown their support. I never gave reasons for claiming for my children, and its a shame someone makes judgements without facts. I care for my children 100% 24/7, and yes even when i have cfs. Everyone is effected by cfs at different scales, and it differs how it effects them, worse at different times of the day, good days bad days. This last fortnight has been very bad, and I have put myself in this state by fighting for medical help for my daughter. 2 years I have fought for a diagnosis for her.She didnt have mental health problems but now she does, she has chronic pain, takes morphine, and i after travelling half way up the country we have found a neurosurgeon that can explain her pain and is going to operate.I also cared for my son for 18 months not even recognising him, he had a nervous breakdown at 11 years old, no support from social services, i nursed him through it all by myself.
So before you make judgements about people, get the facts.
Im a fantastic mum.

daska

Oh no, don't apologise! PBS delights in worrying people who already have a lot on their plate by giving them semi-accurate advice and being judgemental.

You asked a genuine question and you got good advice - yes, of course there are risks that one allowance might cancel another out but that's why you have to investigate them in the context of your personal situation and give full, accurate information on your application forms. Benefits are a legal issue rather than a moral one! I know exactly where you're coming from - I've had ME/CFS whatever your preferred term is for nearly 3 years, I have severe personal mobility and care issues but I still care for my very active toddler.

Good luck, I hope you manage to increase your income, those of us who genuinely rely on disability benefits need every penny we can get.

alexandrajj

Can I ask a similar question please?

---

I wonder if anyone can help me with a query please?

Single mum who gets IS and DLA (HRC &HRM). She gets DLA for mental health problems and has back problems which affect her mobility.

She has a daughter aged 6 who also gets DLA (HRC, LRM) as the girl is autistic and partically deaf.

No-one claims carers allowance for the daughter (or the mother but the mother doesn't want anyone to claim carers for her 'cos she would loose a IS premium). Can the mother claim carers allowance despite getting HRC & HRM herself?

On the surface she fits the criteria of caring for more than 35 hours a week (which parent doesn't?), under the £95 a weeks rule etc etc. However it just seems 'wrong' to the mum to be able to claim carers for her daughter. She understands that the amount of carers allowance will be deducted from her IS but she will get the carer premium added so she would be £27-ish better off each week. Is this right? Also the mum is worried that if she claims the carers allowance for her daughter, then when her DLA is renewed (Dec 2009) that the decision maker may reduce her DLA award based soley on the fact that she is a carer for someone. Is this a unfounded fear or does this happen?


Thanks in advance

Savvy_sewing

The best people to ask, other then DLA if your worried about them "knowing" your situation, or your friends, is to go to the Family Welfare Rights. They would know what to do, even help with any applications if necessary. Good luck.
I am going through similar things, but my children lost the DLA when they became 18 and 2 years down the line, are trying to reclaim it. Should have still been having it but didnt re-apply. They were not living with me then, they were trying to live independantly, but was proved that they couldnt and came back to me. So currently I "care" for both my twins, and my grandchildren. I have spondylitis and depression. Have had a few "nervous breakdowns" caring for them for the last 20 years. But I am unable to get Carers as they dont get thier DLA. yet...... Neither have I, I was turned down not so long ago. But the Jobcentre told me yesterday I should re-apply, and appeal, and appeal,,,,,etc etc.