Redundancy, going to be a carer...

pmlindyloo

To go back to your original question about using your redundancy money to live on.


Sorry, but no-one is going to be able to answer your question without knowing your circumstances.


You best forecast would be to do an income and expenditure sheet of how much comes into the household and how much goes out. Then you will know how much 'extra' you will have to find each month.


If you decide to do this do not be 'mean fisted' about your expenses. You would not be expected to live like a pauper. For example, if you need a new washing machine you can buy one!


If you were ever investigated for deprivation of capital they would be looking to see if you were giving away large sums of money/buying expensive things/paying off debts early etc . Deprivation of capital works on the premise that you have used money deliberately to obtain benefits.


In your case I would suggest (as I believe someone has already said) that you apply for Carer's Allowance and Income Support (even with your savings) It is possible that because of your housing costs you may be eligible for a small amount although I am unsure how your insurance would affect this.


May I ask how old you are? The reason I ask this is because if you are in your 50s/60s paying down your mortgage/paying off debts may be perfectly acceptable especially if you were likely to have caring duties for some considerable time.


In the end it would be the job of a Decision Maker to decide whether anything you bought/paid off was deprivation of capital. (By the way always keep receipts for large items) You might try asking when you apply for IS but they probably would only give you general guidelines.

ImACarer

Many Thank to you all. I guess there is not really a black and white answer. I will perhaps claim IS too just in case and also just in case I can get some council tax rebate too. Everything is going to help.

McKneff

Good luck with it all, I know how devastating it can be to be made redundant.


Hope everything goes well, and I would claim any benefits that you are entitled to.

Poppie68

As you seem to of been capable of holding down a job and caring when needed it sounds like you will be better of getting someone into care for the person when needed as they are in reciept of DLA it could be paid in the main from that and topped up from either the ESA or your wage. You also maybe need to take into account the DLA claimant may have trouble reclaiming when they are assesed for PIP, therefore no PIP and no CA.

ImACarer

Poppie68 wrote: »

You also maybe need to take into account the DLA claimant may have trouble reclaiming when they are assesed for PIP, therefore no PIP and no CA.

I do not understand. Why would they have trouble when being assessed for PIP? because they have a carer, and because of that they will take the PIP and CA away and leave them with nothing so I then have to go back to work and then they would need care again. That doesn't make sense.??

ImACarer

Poppie68 wrote: »

As you seem to of been capable of holding down a job and caring when needed it sounds like you will be better of getting someone into care for the person when needed

No, this is the reason why my job is bye bye's. We have tried all this before. Did/does not work. This is the only way i'm afraid.

pmlindyloo

Poppie68 wrote: »

As you seem to of been capable of holding down a job and caring when needed it sounds like you will be better of getting someone into care for the person when needed as they are in reciept of DLA it could be paid in the main from that and topped up from either the ESA or your wage. You also maybe need to take into account the DLA claimant may have trouble reclaiming when they are assesed for PIP, therefore no PIP and no CA.

Since the person the OP is caring for is in the support group of ESA and currently receiving mid rate|DLA then this scenario is very unlikely.


Yes, the OP is capable of working - many carers are. However, only the OP knows the situation and obviously feels that this is the best way.


I do not believe that anyone would choose to go on Carer's Allowance and IS (a minimal amount of money) with, eventually, a mortgage to pay, without having done some careful thinking. It must be a very stressful situation being at work and knowing that you are needed at home.


If you have not done so already, OP, I would urge you to contact adult social services and ask for an assessment of the person's needs to see if you can get some help and support.


I have tremendous sympathy for anyone who is a carer - an extremely difficult job.

ImACarer

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If you have not done so already, OP, I would urge you to contact adult social services and ask for an assessment of the person's needs to see if you can get some help and support.

I have tremendous sympathy for anyone who is a carer - an extremely difficult job.

Hi Lindy. I understand. The Social Services part is already in place in form of a personal budget (SDS care).

It is not going to be easy I know but only time will tell. Sometimes things have to be done, whether we like them or not. I have worked all my life so that alone is going to be a culture change in itself.

OP.

KxMx

Do make sure there is support for you too as the carer, it's really important you look after yourself, and get respite etc when needed.
You could try looking for a national forum or a local support group for carers.