Help please

tubzy2001

Hello my carer (also my cousin) has just decided to leave and work and live in a pub full time, not very good for me who don't go out alone but will I lose my DLA now I have no carer? Will I have to pay bedroom tax now that I will have a spare room?

Thank you

nannytone_2

your DLA will not be affected.
but if you have a spare bedroom and no overnight carer then you will probably have your housing benefit reduced.
are you going to get another sleep in carer?
contact social services and ask for an adult referrel.
you may be eligable for direct payments to help towards the costs of employing a new carer.

be sure to cancel your cousins claim for carers allowance as you may receive an increase in benefit ( depending on what other benefits you claim)

pmlindyloo

At the same time as you report the change of circumstances to the council re: your HB ask them for a form to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment to 'top up' your HB if you receive a deduction.

Just checking - the so called 'bedroom' tax only applies to social housing.

If your carer was living with you full time and you live in a privately rented place then you would go from a two bed entitlement of local housing allowance to a one bed entitlement but you can still apply for the DHP.

[Deleted User]

if you are claiming esa and no other adult lives with you then you may qualify for sdp(severe disability premium)which would add around £57 a week to your esa,your dla will not be affected

Horseunderwater

To John above: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/275291/Benefit_and_Pension_rates_2014-15.pdf
gives updated current benefit rates. SDP now £61.10/week.

[Deleted User]

^^^ thanks I'm always 2 years behind lol

tubzy2001

Update - my carer moved out over the weekend, do I need to inform DLA?

nannytone_2

np, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DLA.
you need to inform DWP and the council though