DLA.... Need advice!!

owensmum75

Hi all!

Just a question on behalf of my dad...
He was made redundant 2 years ago and despite trying has been completely unsucessful in getting another job. It hasn't helped that he hit 60 last August. He's been having problems with his knee and has now found out that his knee is crumbling and may need to be replaced. Now no employer is going to want to take him on due to medical issues and his age... Is there any help he is entitled to? My mum only works 15 hours a week and they don't get Tax Credit or any significant JSA or any other help. They own their house and it looks increasingly likely that they may have to sell, which to me seems ridiculous as if they sell the house they will have to rent and claim Housing Benefit!
Can anyone shed any light on what help he may be able to get?

Many thanks,

Em

Dunroamin

He'll only be able to claim DLA if he has significant care or mobility needs.

Is there any reason why your mother works so few hours?

McKneff

If they sell a house, they wont necessarily get housing benefit for help with the rent, it depends on savings etc.

Do you live at home.

DLA is unlikely just for a knee replacement.

Can mum work longer hours or find another part time job.

He should be getting JSA if he is job hunting or ESA if he is too illl to work.

pmlindyloo

He should be getting JSA if he is job hunting or ESA if he is too illl to work.

I believe the OP's dad is already getting JSA - ''they don't get any significant JSA''.

Since the father has been out of work for 2 years then he is on income based JSA and his wife's earnings are affecting his benefit payment.

I agree that if he is unfit for work then he could switch to ESA but I don't think they would be financially better off.

They might be entitled to some CTB? Use the benefit calculator on www.turn2us.org.uk

My other thought is that (if I have done my calcualtions correctly) dad will be entitled to Pension Credit in the not too distant future - don't know his date of birth so couldn't calculate correctly. This tops up the weekly income to £217.90 for a couple. But is also gives you access to CTB and Housing costs (ie they will pay the interest - up to a certain level - on your mortgage).

I would be inclined to have a read of the following:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@over50/documents/digitalasset/dg_180224.pdf

karenx

If they own their home and sell it they will most likely not be entitled to housing benefit as they will have the proceeds of the house to live off.
He should try claim ESA if unfit for work