Carers/PIP allowance

BertandMaud

I am trying to help my brother as I think he might be eligible for some financial assistance. A few years ago he sold his business and bought a big house in cornwall with a separate holiday cottage and set up a successful B&B and holiday letting business. His wife was then diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and she is now very unwell so they are currently unable to work and have only a small amount of savings to live from. They are both in their early 50's. She is far too unwell to move house and so although on paper they are well off because of the value of the property, they are struggling financially. My brother is unable to work as he is a full time carer due to the number of medical appointments she has and also with the day to day care of her, shopping etc. I know nothing about benefits but hope that I can point them in the right direction to get some help. Hopefully somebody here can give me some advice.

pmlindyloo

Your sister in law can apply for ESA and your brother added to her claim.

You have mentioned terminal cancer.

There is a fast track system for both ESA and Personal Independence Payment.

See here for details about PIP.

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/employment-and-support-allowance-overview

The same form mentioned can be used to fast track ESA.

Once awarded PIP Carer's Allownce can be claimed.

Your SIL should have a McMillan nurse who shoul be helping her with all this but just in case this help isn't available google for contact details for each benefit.

Also, they should be entitled to council tax reduction.

When_the_going_gets_tough

MacMillan have a benefits team who can help with all this. Ring te main MacMillan number to see if their is a team operating in their area. The only problem might be the holiday cottage if that is not part of the main house - it might count as capital for income based ESA.

Indie_Kid

There should also be a benefits adviser at the hospital?