Low income, savings gone - what now?

shoppergal

SallyJane,

how are things now? Hope you dad is ok and that you're looking after yourself also.

SallyJane_2

Hello shoppergal - things not too bad thanks. Dad has had a very good week and I actually didn't call to see him Tuesday and Thursday, although spoke to him on the phone. That bit of respite was such a relief! I wasn't too concerned as the warden does a check over the phone in the mornings and also some relatives were in the area and called in for a couple of hours on those days. I think seeing different faces for a change and talking about old times cheered up dad a lot.

I had some good news this morning re council tax - I was not going to claim but Lynzpower and Ras told me to go for it .... result council tax reduced by £56.00 a month. I can hardly believe it! Just a few years ago £56 a month was nothing to me, but now it is a really useful sum of money.

Thank you for your message - it is really appreciated!
SJ

hypno06

Well done on the council tax, and for giving yourself a bit of a break this week.

Stay strong x

SallyJane_2

Thanks hypno - I feel as if I've won the lottery! I thought I would only be entitled to a few pence reduction, but how wrong I was. I hope my result will encourage others to claim.

sophiesmum_2

Hi Sally Jane
I work with elderly people and have helped lots of them claim attendance allowance. Savings your father has will not be affected as it is not means tested in any way. Also it is quite rare for applicants to attend a medical, a decision is usually made on information from the GP or other clinics attended by the person.
Definately get help with the form as there is a way of answering the questions which not everyone gauges correctly. People tend to adjust their lives to fit around their disabilities and do it so well that they forget they haven't always done things that way, sometimes it needs a fresh pair of eyes to see where adjustments have been made and note them on the form.
For instance I recently claimed AA for a gentleman with severe arthiriis in his neck and spine. he had adjusted to this over the years and when I pointed out to him that he even chose his clothes to help his disability he was amazed, eg - slip on shoes becuse he couldn't bend down, cardigans as he couldn't reach up to put on sweaters, shirts instead of t shirts etc, he had just stopped noticing the changes he had made.Without this he could not have managed alone. I put everything down and he was awarded higher rate for care. This also acted as a gateway benefit as someone else has mentioned and he was then awarded extra pension credit and housing benefit.He did not have to attend a medical.His daughter now claims carers allowance for helping him.

Good luck.
sophiesmum:D

SallyJane_2

Hi Sophiesmum and thanks for a very encouraging and interesting post. Yes, dad has adjusted to his disabilities too but I had never properly appreciated this until I read your post. What you say about medical examinations is reassuring too. The CAB will be helping dad & me to complete the forms ... hopefully we will be seeing CAB next week. Fingers crossed!
Many thanks. SJ

RAS

Well done. That over £500 a year. Great news.

lynzpower

SallyJane wrote: »

Thanks hypno - I feel as if I've won the lottery! I thought I would only be entitled to a few pence reduction, but how wrong I was. I hope my result will encourage others to claim.

the other thing I thought to mention today, is that if you are in recipet of council tax benefits, it can also open other doors. For example my local council charges approx 150 quid for some courses, but they are free to those in recipt of JSA OR hb / or CT benefit. You do have a lot on so im not suggesting a long course but there are nice one day courses in art and craft etc ropund my way that could be something you can do FOR YOU and make yourself a bit of time. Check out whats in your area, you might be surprised x

backontrack_2

Hi Sally Jane

I really hope you are feeling better. It makes me really angry that some people receive so much in benefit when other deserving souls get nothing. I'm sure by now you have tried all the advice regarding selling unwanted items on ebay, working tax credit. I really just wanted to say good luck - I have just cleared debt after looking after family members, like you I never stopped working and never claimed 'dole'. It's a bit corny to say so but you have been the best daughter possible and that is priceless. I wish you all the very best x

SallyJane_2

Hi lynz - as it happens there is a training centre a few miles away - it's for training agricultural workers I think - but I know its also used for various evening classes which the public can attend during the winter. Good idea ... thanks. SJ