Not sure what the best option is...

elaina79

I will try to keep this as brief as I can.

Whatever autoimmune illness I have it is causing me alot more discomfort and pain and is affecting my mobility ect.
I find doing simple tasks difficult and have trouble getting up the stairs now.
I have got to the stage where I know I will have to combat some of these issues.
My husband and I have found it difficult to cope but we have spoken alot and want to try and work through everything.

I am not sure where to go financially though. Basically we have 3 children so get the usual kiddie related benefits etc. We get IS as I am a carer for him (he has a mental illness) so he also gets DLA.
We have realised that I am getting alot worse so I have been thinking about applying for DLA for myself to help with the costs that we will incurr. So we will both get DLA and I get CA for him, but would he be able to get CA for me. I have been told about SDP (or whatever it is called) if I stop my carers claim.
My IS is based on me being a carer but would I still be able to claim it for that reason if I stop the allowance.
Also if my CA is stopped then my IS will go up, but will it go back down again if we claim the SDP (or whatever it is called)

I hope this makes sense, if not then I apologise and feel free to ask any questions.

DX2

elaina79 wrote: »

So we will both get DLA and I get CA for him, but would he be able to get CA for me.Yes he can apply for CA if you are awarded DLA at mid/high rate care.

I have been told about SDP (or whatever it is called) if I stop my carers claim.

My IS is based on me being a carer but would I still be able to claim it for that reason if I stop the allowance. Wouldn't think so.

Also if my CA is stopped then my IS will go up, but will it go back down again if we claim the SDP (or whatever it is called) IS is for single parents and carers, you will both probably have to apply for ESA.

I hope this makes sense, if not then I apologise and feel free to ask any questions.

I'm guessing you don't know what SDP is?

The Severe Disability Premium

Couples (higher rate)

If you have a partner, you may get the higher rate premium if no one else lives with you, no one gets Carer's Allowance for looking after you and either:

• you both get the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance; or
• you get the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance and your partner gets Attendance Allowance

Couples (lower rate)

If you have a partner, you may get the lower rate premium if no one else lives with you and either:

• you both get the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, and Carer's Allowance is paid for only one of you; or
• you get the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance and your partner gets Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance is paid for only one of you; or
• you get the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance care component and your partner is registered blind, and no one gets Carer's Allowance for looking after you

The Severe Disability Premium can be awarded in addition to other premiums.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/OtherBenefitsAndSupport/DG_068683