CA, IS and Pension Credit?

mrnorman

My aunt receives the high rate care + mobility components of DLA, and will remain on the indefinite award for life due to her DOB and the previous awards.

Due to severe changes in health, I have given up work to be her full time carer, providing around 40+ hours a week care. I received back money of CA earlier in the month. I am awaiting a decision on Income Support. My aunt received notification that her Pension Credit addition (Severe Disablement Allowance) might be removed. (MIGHT?)Either is or isn't....? She was advised that she she may lose her Council Tax Reduction. I currently rent on my own and awaiting decisions on HB,CTR,and IS. Why is she being punished for me supporting her by what means I can?

I understand that we would be losing her SDA due to me being in receipt of carer's allowance but I've heard of people being able to receive both due to not living together. I am really confused and pickled. Due to receiving back money does that mean my Aunt has received benefit that she's not entitled to?

If anyone could share experience/knowledge re. this matter that is gladly appreciated.



Regards

nannytone_2

if your aunt lives alone and receives at least middle rate care DLA and gets means tested benefit ( pension credit) then she receives the severe disability premium.
BUT...
if someone claims carers allowance for looking after her then this premium stops.

it is paid for people living alone, to help them pay for the care they need.
you are providing that care, and claiming CA for providing it.

they wont pay for the same thing ( your aunts care) twice

mrnorman

Why would she lose her council tax reduction then?

That is based solely on household income, which its self will be reduced in respect of the premium. How can that be justified just because someone is claiming Carer's Allowance??

Indie_Kid

Why is her council tax reduced?

nannytone_2

who advised her that she may lose council tac benefit and are you sure she hasnt misunderstood?

the fact that she receives pension credit should mean that she pays no council tax at all

tinkledom

mrnorman wrote: »

My aunt receives the high rate care + mobility components of DLA, and will remain on the indefinite award for life due to her DOB and the previous awards.

She may well have been over 65 on the 8th April 2013 which was the cut off date for PIP. However to say that she will remain on the indefinite award for life due to her DOB and the previous awards is a piece of fiction.


Her DOB and her previous DLA awards count for nothing. The DWP can and do re-visit those over 65 who have indefinite awards. It would be wrong not to check up on somebody just because of their age and current award. My neighbour is 83 and somebody reported him to the DLA office for playing golf occasionally (he has heart failure). They sent a doctor round to assess him at home, and removed his mobility and care award completely (he had been receiving HRM & HRM since the early 90's). He had to appeal, and the attendance at court nearly killed him off - it was re-instated.

mrnorman

Hmm she may be getting mixed up thinking something else, due to me not actually seeing it stated black n white, just wondered if someone else has maybe received the same.

A friend of a friend receives only the middle rate care (no mobility) and their mother receives C/A + JSA. No benefit is affected and the claimants are both paid full CA, JSA(each seperate) + SDA........confused.com? Why would Pension Credit lose out on the SDA but not job seekers. I know all claims are treated seperately, but there's no other difference...

As I say, I am confused but maybe need to contact C.A.B. Thanks for answers tho!

tinkledom

nannytone wrote: »

who advised her that she may lose council tac benefit and are you sure she hasnt misunderstood?

the fact that she receives pension credit should mean that she pays no council tax at all

She may well lose her entitlement to Pension Credit - it depends on her income and what the new Appropriate amount will be without the SDP. Her Appropriate Amount will be reduced by £59.50 a week.


If that happens it is very likely that the Council Tax Reduction will be reviewed as well.

mrnorman

tinkledom wrote: »

She may well have been over 65 on the 8th April 2013 which was the cut off date for PIP. However to say that she will remain on the indefinite award for life due to her DOB and the previous awards is a piece of fiction.


Her DOB and her previous DLA awards count for nothing. The DWP can and do re-visit those over 65 who have indefinite awards. It would be wrong not to check up on somebody just because of their age and current award. My neighbour is 83 and somebody reported him to the DLA office for playing golf occasionally (he has heart failure). They sent a doctor round to assess him at home, and removed his mobility and care award completely (he had been receiving HRM & HRM since the early 90's). He had to appeal, and the attendance at court nearly killed him off - it was re-instated.

I guess that what you're saying is that obviously they'll check up on people, but there is no way her health condition will improve - she certainly won't be playing golf. What I meant was that she would not be introduced to PIP (already sought advice) and that her indefinite awards are SAFE as long as her health doesn't magically improve!

Thanks for your answer tho

nannytone_2

if both are claiming CA, then they must both be receiving at least the middle rate care DLA.
the severe disability premium is still paid if the 2 people that live together are both disabled

mrnorman

tinkledom wrote: »

She may well lose her entitlement to Pension Credit - it depends on her income and what the new Appropriate amount will be without the SDP.


If that happens it is very likely that the Council Tax Reduction will be reviewed as well.

The only income she receives is the Basic State Pension, Pension Credit (around £8 a week) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. HRM + HRC DLA. How could she lose out on Pension Credits? - (this is what entitles her to HB/CTR) That means she could end up with nothing? (bar DLA income)