help needed urgently

zoerhymes

hi all

my brother in law has had a heart attack whilst on holiday, we have him home now, but due to insufficient oxygen he is suffering from brain injuries, hes basically in hospital and will be for the long term at least a year, we really need to find out if he is entitled to any benefits as we still need to pay the mortgage on his house etc, any help really appreciated thanks

Jowo_2

The Shelter website has good information for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage, including advice on how to approach the lender and the various govt schemes available to prevent repossession.

Does he have any savings, will his employer pay him sick leave? Does he have any dependents? Or partner who works?

Look into ESA (designed for people too sick to work) and DLA (for those with care/mobility needs)? Look into SMI (payment of the mortgage after 13 weeks).

The Turn2us online benefit calculator will give an idea of benefit entitlements.

allen35

Maybe speak as well to PALS adviser at the hospital, they've probably advised on these difficult situations, ask at the hospital reception for details.

zoerhymes

he is self employed, wife died 10 year ago, he has one son aged 18 still living with him in full time education, he has about a grand in the bank its not going to last long though, does anyone know if he can get council tax benefit or anything really thanks

allen35

There shouldn't be any council tax to pay due to being in hospital as in England and Wales, a property which was the previous sole or main residence of someone who is in hospital long term or is in a care home (not temporarily) and where the property was last used as her/his sole or main residence the property will be exempt.

Contact Local Authority and inform them of current circumstances, other orgs to think about are TV Licensing, water etc

allen35

Is child benefit and tax credits in payment

zoerhymes

yes he gets child benefit and tax credit, will he still not have to pay council tax because son is living there

allen35

His son is classed as a dependant child and anyway, he's also a full time student, wish you all the best and hope recovery is swift.

Mojisola

Try Headway - https://www.headway.org.uk/home.aspx

They will have helped lots of people deal with these problems.

AnxiousMum

Sorry to hear of the situation - but glad you have him back home safe and being cared for here in the UK.

Did he have travel/health insurance? Don't know if any of his outstanding bills might be covered by the inability to work dueto his medical condition or not - but probably worth a good read of the policies.

allen35

On claiming ESA (0800 055 66 88) maybe ring them and ask can you make the initial claim on behalf of your Bro-in-law

A claimant who is an in-patient in hospital is automatically treated as having limited capability for work. Because of this, if a claimant claims ESA while in hospital, it will continue to be paid. To continue receiving ESA in hospital, the claimant must submit medical evidence to the DWP if required to do so. A claimant should ask the hospital (not the GP) for medical certificates.

Not sure how long he will be eligible to receive payments though, give them a ring.