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Can my MIL claim carers allowance?

Hi all

My FIL has just home from a short stay in hospital, he has asbestosis. I think he receives industrial injuries disablement benefit (diseases).

He has a bed downstairs now and needs an awful lot of help with everything. Both he and MIL are in their early seventies.
I think MIL is going to struggle to cope with caring for him even with us helping as much as we can.

What help, financial and otherwise could MIL possibly claim?

Comments

  • bunny999
    bunny999 Posts: 970 Forumite
    He could try claiming attendence allowance.
  • MrsManda
    MrsManda Posts: 4,457 Forumite
    Your FIL first needs to claim Attendance Allowance before your MIL can claim Carer's Allowance

    There's a guide to financial support for carers on the direct.gov.uk website with information on Direct Payments, Community Care Grants, Housing Benefit etc...
  • Thank you for your quick replies.

    How do you go about making a claim for attendance allowance and subsequently carers' allowance?
  • MrsManda
    MrsManda Posts: 4,457 Forumite
    Thank you for your quick replies.

    How do you go about making a claim for attendance allowance and subsequently carers' allowance?

    If you see the links I posted it's got all the information you need. You can fill application forms in online, print the forms and fill them out or call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 who will either fill them out over the phone or send an application pack.
  • Be_Happy
    Be_Happy Posts: 1,393 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    MIL can't claim carer's allowance if she receives State Pension. It's one or the other, but not both.
  • Indie_Kid
    Indie_Kid Posts: 23,100 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Be_Happy wrote: »
    MIL can't claim carer's allowance if she receives State Pension. It's one or the other, but not both.

    If she receive pension credit, she would receive the carers premium on top - as she has an "underlying entitlement" to carers allowance.
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  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,574 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 18 November 2010 at 4:16PM
    Ask for a local advisor from the Pensions Service - https://www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customer-delivery/the-pension-service/ - to come and help them claim whatever they are entitled to. The advisor who helped my parents did a great job.

    Also - your FiL should ask for an assessment by Social Services for his needs and your MiL should have a Carer's Assessment done. All too often the caring partner in this situation gets worn down by the constant needs of the sick person. Make sure they get all the help they can.
  • nannytone_2
    nannytone_2 Posts: 13,012 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    also contact social services for a care assessment.
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