Low income, savings gone - what now?

SallyJane_2

Hi beanielou. Many thanks for your message. Dad receives Disability Living Allowance for "mobility" which was awarded many years ago when he first had his heart problems and had difficulty in walking. If I understand correctly, I need to apply for DLA for "care" and if he is awarded this at the middle or higher rate then I should be able to claim carer's allowance? Thanks again beanie.

beanielou

Hi SJ
You have summed that up correctly
Good luck!

SallyJane_2

Well, CAB rang .. they couldn't really talk to me today as they are short staffed, but we agreed it might be better if I called in to see an advisor at their office and do a "benefits check" and I now have an appointment for Friday. Filled in the Council Tax application form which arrived today and it was much less complicated than I thought. Will hand it in at the council offices on Friday - save on petrol and postage - I'm learning! Watch this space.

beanielou

Make sure you get a receipt for your completed CT ben application form.
Cab should be able to print out any info you need.Hope all goes well.

SallyJane_2

Thanks beanielou - will do! I hope it goes well too! Will update as soon as I can on Friday.

SallyJane_2

Update - handed in council tax application form (and got a receipt for it beanielou!). Saw CAB advisor for benefit check. Not entitled to any benefits. Recommended I bring dad in to complete a form for Attendance Allowance and if dad is awarded that then I could apply for Carer's allowance - which is just what you brilliant people on here told me. Also gave me a tax credit form for husband to complete and send to the inland revenue.

So, there is a bit of hope there and in the meantime I'm going to have to really cut down further on spending. I thought I had, but I've kept a spending diary for a few days and I can see room for improvement. It's up to me now to watch every penny but at least I have this website to fall back on. I felt a bit down after seeing the CAB advisor but, what the heck, it's stopped raining and the sun is out, I'm reasonably fit and healthy and so is my better half.

I must admit I was very anxious about seeing the CAB advisor, but everything was very calm, unhurried and the interview took place in total privacy.

Will post again if any developments.

groatie_queen

Thanks for the update Sally Jane, and I hope it's not too long before your father's Attendance Allowance form can be filled out. If he can't get to the CAB, maybe they can do a home visit? This is a service I provide for clients who are unable to travel easily (I work for a support charity).

Best wishes
GQ

skintmostofthetime

Keep your chin up - we're all here if only to `listen' when you're down in dumps.

beanielou

At least you know the situation now.
Get the AA claim form ASAP & make an appointment for it to be completed.

SallyJane_2

Skint - hi & thanks for your kind message - appreciated.