Not spending income - adds to inability to claim benefits?

skintandscared_2

Ravenshade wrote: »

If it's inheritance, he needs to start giving it out early...

That is very bad advice. If he gives away money and then tries to apply to the state to pay for his care, they will say he's deprived himself of capital and will treat him as though he still had that money. He needs to start spending it on himself - for his own care.

luminated

GMbabies wrote: »

I think this thread was meant to be a wind-up.

Yep exactly what I thought and it has worked for the OP

Ravenshade

skintandscared wrote: »

That is very bad advice. If he gives away money and then tries to apply to the state to pay for his care, they will say he's deprived himself of capital and will treat him as though he still had that money. He needs to start spending it on himself - for his own care.

...if you're giving away lump sums of cash yes, it would be deprivation of capital. However... spending £200 a month more than usual is not considered deprivation of capital. They have to prove the matter and that's quite hard. Immoral it may be but illegal it is not. The DOC rules are for those with a significant amount of savings. The DWP expect you to spend everything you get in...so if that's what you're doing, they don't really care how.

princessdon

As Mijola said earlier apply for Attendance Allowance, depending on the rate given this can be a godsend.

Unlike others on here, I do understand where you are coming from and am in a similar position with a family member. Those who are entitled to Pension Credit (as their income is just under that of your dad), get a lot of help, just over the limit, you are on your jack jones.

However, it means you can chose your own care, decide what is best, have the opportunity to personalise the care etc.

If you get AA this can really help. Ask for Social Services to come out and visit, they can help with minor aids for free, but also leave some leaflets for things to buy. These can make a huge difference.

For example my Gran now has a bed made to measure to her that lowers and raises, a chair that lowers, raises and tips and other things that really make her life that bit better.

All of these would not be considered Depravation of Capital and so when you hit the £23,000 you can apply again, but if it is just some cleaning and a bit of care then the AA (especially if higher rate at £77 odd a week) can make a difference and it is not means tested.

So jobs to do

Apply for AA
Ask SS for an assessment

Mojisola

princessdon wrote: »

For example my Gran now has a bed made to measure to her that lowers and raises, a chair that lowers, raises and tips and other things that really make her life that bit better.t

Sometimes - depending on your family member - you have to force the issue about buying new stuff or useful aids.

I don't know how many times my Mum and Dad said "We manage alright with what we've got" and then "This has made our lives so much easier" after I managed to get them to buy new stuff!

princessdon

Mojisola wrote: »

Sometimes - depending on your family member - you have to force the issue about buying new stuff or useful aids.

I don't know how many times my Mum and Dad said "We manage alright with what we've got" and then "This has made our lives so much easier" after I managed to get them to buy new stuff!

Very true, tight and ducks backside comes to mind with my Gran (on herself), but once in place, it's a godsend.

I wouldn't have known about them without a SS visit either, as had no idea just how many things are out there on the market.

skintandscared_2

Ravenshade wrote: »

...if you're giving away lump sums of cash yes, it would be deprivation of capital. However... spending £200 a month more than usual is not considered deprivation of capital. They have to prove the matter and that's quite hard. Immoral it may be but illegal it is not. The DOC rules are for those with a significant amount of savings. The DWP expect you to spend everything you get in...so if that's what you're doing, they don't really care how.

Precisely, but you suggested giving away an inheritance early, which does not equate to £200 a month!! He should spend £200 a month on a cleaner and perhaps a part time carer or meals on wheels or something. Things to enhance his life! Nobody would ever question those sorts of payments. The OP said he has a £30k redundancy payment from years ago he's just sitting on. He should get spending it to make his life more comfortable now!

Bogof_Babe

How on earth can someone get £180 a week state pension? The basic SP is around £110 isn't it?

Dunroamin

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

How on earth can someone get £180 a week state pension? The basic SP is around £110 isn't it?

I get more than that - it includes SERPS and S2P.

Bogof_Babe

Dunroamin wrote: »

I get more than that - it includes SERPS and S2P.

Blimey :eek:. Mind you I haven't a clue what SERPS and S2P are . (No need to explain, it'll only drag the thread further off topic - Google is my friend ).