Alzheimers - DLA etc? means tested?

Mojisola

woodbine wrote: »

yes it would be AA,but mum not get carers allowance as the state pension is an overlapping benefits

My Mum and Dad both claimed AA and they also both got an "underlying entitlement" to CA which wasn't the full amount but very useful.

margaretclare

Mojisola wrote: »

My Mum and Dad both claimed AA and they also both got an "underlying entitlement" to CA which wasn't the full amount but very useful.

We both get AA but we don't get the 'underlying entitlement'. This only works if you're in receipt of means-tested benefits.

Mojisola

woodbine wrote: »

yes it would be AA,but mum not get carers allowance as the state pension is an overlapping benefits,AA is not means tested and AGE uk may send someone to help with the application forms if they ask for help

margaretclare wrote: »

We both get AA but we don't get the 'underlying entitlement'. This only works if you're in receipt of means-tested benefits.

But it's always worth checking if there is an entitlement. A lot of people, like woodbine, believe that you can't get CA at all if you're a pensioner.

weanie

"But it's always worth checking if there is an entitlement. A lot of people, like woodbine, believe that you can't get CA at all if you're a pensioner."

A friend of mine cared for her mother for some years and while she was in receipt of a small occupational pension after taking early retirement. As soon as she became eligible for state pension however, the Carer's allowance was removed.

This falls in line with what Woodbine says regardng not being able to claim CA if you are in receipt of a state pension.

Mojisola

Mojisola wrote: »

My Mum and Dad both claimed AA and they also both got an "underlying entitlement" to CA which wasn't the full amount but very useful.

weanie wrote: »

A friend of mine cared for her mother for some years and while she was in receipt of a small occupational pension after taking early retirement. As soon as she became eligible for state pension however, the Carer's allowance was removed.

This falls in line with what Woodbine says regardng not being able to claim CA if you are in receipt of a state pension.

It is possible to claim the underlying entitlement to CA after pension age.

It's likely that your friend's occupational pension and state pension put her above the means tested limit.

anmarj

Any pensioner can get underlying entitlement if they qualify but it is only worth something if they get a means tested benefit though as all it does is push your applicable amount up, as the underlying entitlement give you nothing from the carers allowance unit.

Think that is the point they are trying to make.

pstuart

My brother had a carers allowance for his wife which stopped at pensionable age.
The underlying entitlement then kicked in giving them reduced council tax and rent.
Check it out with your council or with an online benefit calculator.

margaretclare

Mojisola wrote: »

But it's always worth checking if there is an entitlement. A lot of people, like woodbine, believe that you can't get CA at all if you're a pensioner.

You can get it if you're a pensioner but only if you qualify for a means-tested benefit i.e. pension credit.

We do not so qualify.

SandraScarlett

heretolearn wrote: »

A quick update. Dad has now been awarded lower rate attendance allowance.

Things have got a lot better for them this year now they have finally accepted that they need some help, and various agencies have been involved (Alzeimers Soc., social services, Occupational Therapist etc) and been wonderful.

They had a couple of cleaners come in for the first time this week (even though parents weren't at all keen on the idea), who did a fab job, won my parents round, and now my mum is thrilled at the thought of never having to scrub the kitchen floor again!

Thank you all very much for the help and advice.

Excellent news, :T and I am so glad your parents have come to terms with the situation. Don't forget, that if someone has dementia, they are disregarded when it comes to Council Tax.

My DH is disregarded, so I am classed as living on my own, and we receive 25% discount. When my GP completed the form (it was sent to me, and then I gave it to him to complete and sign the medical section), he based the date of diagnosis on the letter the consultant sent to him, recommending Aricept.

This was some years ago, and so the Council Tax refund was backdated. They dealt with this very quickly, and easily. Just phone the Council with your parents' CT reference number, and they'll send the form out.

Really pleased that your parents are not only getting financial help, but practical help too. I wish you all the very best.:)

xx

SandraScarlett

Just remembered something else. My DH has a card with CompCabs, don't know if it operates in your area (we're in Greater London), and this entitles him to a number of subsidised trips.

We only used it rarely in the past, but it has proved invaluable of late. I'm going into hospital next week, and will be unable to drive for 6 weeks. His club have agreed he can attend every day, but transport was going to be a problem, and although Age Concern have mini buses, I felt the places should be for those folk with no other option.

So he'll be taken and collected by taxi, it's £2.50 each way, and instead of telephoning to book, as we used to, I've set the whole thing up on the computer, a bit of a faff to begin with, but easy peasy now, as I just press "repeat booking", with a new date. :j:j:j

We've had rehearsals this week, and it's worked out so well, that I can't recommend it enough. They text me when he's collected from his club, so I know he's on his way home, and it's a huge weight off my mind.

xx