Entitlement help for parents

LisaB85

God knows why I am trying to find help for them but here goes. The benefits checker doesn't make much sense.

My stepdad has had his ESA suspended because ATOS say he is fit for work, he sent a letter Thurs to appeal but if that fails he will need to claim something else.

His ESA was a joint claim with my Mum, he also does permitted work a couple of hours at a weekend.

My mum claims DLA higher for both, could she claim Income support and he claim JSA income based? (he will quit the permitted work)

He does help care for my mum but then so do I, probably adds up to 35 hours between both of us. He takes her doctors etc I deal with finances and stuff that requires thinking etc.

Turn to us gave a figure for full HB and CTB aswell as £167 Income support or JSA.

DirectGov says - just HB and CTB, Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) £128.85 per week .

I have told them they need to speak to someone but they will drag their heels.

If he made a claim to JSA would my mum also have to look for work as part of a joint claim?

ellybelly23

PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE I DONT KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN

I recently had a son on the 27th nov 2011 but was not due till feb 19th 2012 so yea he was 10 weeks premature and very poorly. He is currently on <NICU> neonatel intensive care unit and will be there untill end of jan 2012 earliest.

I recieve income support and have claimed my child benefit and child tax credits but when i claimed for a community care grant from the social fund i was refused 3 times by them saying it was not a emergencey and the things i had asked for where of not top priority..... asking for help for pram cot and baby items for a premature baby weighing only 2lb 9 at present is not priority????? is beyond me

I have appealed but still no joy

could anyone maybe advise me on where i can get the help i desperately need for my sons items as cant afford to do this on a low income



many thanks to you all


x

rogerblack

Neglecting the rest of the questions.
ESA assessment rate will be paid until the appeal happens.
If he does not withdraw the appeal, this is unlikely to happen within 6 months.
In many cases, 12 months.
Interpreting 'DLA higher' as high rate are and high rate mobility.
As I understand it, your stepdad may also be able to claim carers allowance, at 55.55/week.
However, because of this, he is entitled to carer premium on his DLA.
This is payable even during the reduced rate.

Is it possible she could make a claim for ESA?

LisaB85

rogerblack wrote: »

Neglecting the rest of the questions.
ESA assessment rate will be paid until the appeal happens.
If he does not withdraw the appeal, this is unlikely to happen within 6 months.
In many cases, 12 months.
Interpreting 'DLA higher' as high rate are and high rate mobility.
As I understand it, your stepdad may also be able to claim carers allowance, at 55.55/week.
However, because of this, he is entitled to carer premium on his DLA.
This is payable even during the reduced rate.

Is it possible she could make a claim for ESA?

He doesn't get DLA, my mum gets DLA.

He does want to work but in my eyes neither of them are capable, more so my mum.

Wow it takes 6 months to appeal?

rogerblack

LisaB85 wrote: »

He doesn't get DLA, my mum gets DLA.

He does want to work but in my eyes neither of them are capable, more so my mum.

Wow it takes 6 months to appeal?

Yes, it may.
I meant that beause your mom gets DLA high-rate care, this entitles him to carers allowance on her behalf. (if he cares for 35 hours/week, or the carer premium on ESA.

LisaB85

rogerblack wrote: »

Yes, it may.
I meant that beause your mom gets DLA high-rate care, this entitles him to carers allowance on her behalf. (if he cares for 35 hours/week, or the carer premium on ESA.

I don't think it does add up to 35 hours a week though. He does have to be there in the night etc if she falls ill but not sure if that counts?

nannytone_2

who helps you mum wash and dress? who cooks her meals?

LisaB85

nannytone wrote: »

who helps you mum wash and dress? who cooks her meals?

She can wash and dress but someone needs to be around incase she falls asleep in the bath or can't get out of the bath.

Many nights she will just eat a sandwich if there is nobody to cook a meal for her.

kingfisherblue

ellybelly23 wrote: »

PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE I DONT KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN

I recently had a son on the 27th nov 2011 but was not due till feb 19th 2012 so yea he was 10 weeks premature and very poorly. He is currently on <NICU> neonatel intensive care unit and will be there untill end of jan 2012 earliest.

I recieve income support and have claimed my child benefit and child tax credits but when i claimed for a community care grant from the social fund i was refused 3 times by them saying it was not a emergencey and the things i had asked for where of not top priority..... asking for help for pram cot and baby items for a premature baby weighing only 2lb 9 at present is not priority????? is beyond me

I have appealed but still no joy

could anyone maybe advise me on where i can get the help i desperately need for my sons items as cant afford to do this on a low income



many thanks to you all


x

Ellybelly, you would probably get more responses if you post a new thread rather than adding to someone else's. This also avoids confusion when someone answers. Click the blue button on the top left (above the list of threads) to create a new thread.

To answer you here, though, congratulations on the birth of your son. I hope that all goes well for both of you. Having a baby in NICU is really hard - I know, I've been there.

As your son is in NICU, getting a cot and a pram are not a priority for the next few weeks. Getting him better and to a healthier weight is. If you are on income support, have you applied for the Surestart grant? I think it up to £500. Your midwife should have details on how to apply. This should be more than enough to buy a cot and pram.

If you do not qualify for the grant, try advertising on Freecycle or Gumtree for baby equipment.

If you are using public transport to get to and from the hospital, you can claim back the cost of your ticket from the hospital's cash office. You need to take in proof of your income support, as well as the tickets. If you drive there, take in proof of IS and you will be given a set amount. Where I live, when I take my son to Alder Hey I get £4.10 for petrol costs.

You might also find it useful to contact Bliss, a charity that supports parents of premaature babies.

Good luck to you and your little one x

[Deleted User]

supervision is also classed as care when adding upto 35 hours,its unlikely that anyone getting HRC wouldnt need 35 hours care

zzzLazyDaisy

LisaB85 wrote: »

I don't think it does add up to 35 hours a week though. He does have to be there in the night etc if she falls ill but not sure if that counts?

The 35hrs don't have to be spent actually physically doing something for the person for the full 35hrs. It is enough that they need to be there, perhaps to supervise them, get them cups of tea, help them if they need to go up/down stairs etc. The 'being there' counts, not just the actual doing of these things. Does that make sense.

And yes, being there at night in case she needs help does count - if she is on HRC DLA that almost certainly means that the decision includes something about her needing help at night.

So I don't think there will be any argument about your Dad claiming carer's allowance.