Benefits to claim after DLA

manutd99

Just want some advise what to claim after being awarded middle rate DLA for my son.

Both myself and partner do not work. We receive Child Tax Credit and my partner is on JSA so we are on very little income with a mortgage to pay.

My son has not been well so applied for DLA and have just been awarded DLA.

I need to plan my steps on what to claim. I have informed tax credits of my DLA.

I believe I can apply for carers allowance but understand I will get less tax credit. Would it be better to claim carers allowance or will it work out better to not claim carers allowance and receive the additional in child tax credit?

Also as I cannot work due to looking after son can I claim income support as well?

Not sure which steps to take which will be most beneficial.

a) leave as is and claim additional tax credit
b) claim carers allowance only
c) claim carers allowance and income support

At the moment my health is not good enough for me look after my son on my own as he is only 1 years and he has not been well since 1 month old son taken an strain on me. I am physically shattered as he needs attention all day.

Caz3121

is your partner claiming contribution based or income based JSA?

kingfisherblue

If your son receives middle or higher rate care DLA, you can claim Carer's Allowance, provided you meet the other criteria. You can also claim Income Support as a couple. IS will include a carer's premium, but the amount will then be reduced by the amount of CA. You will still have a bit more money though (about £30 a week extra, I think).


You should also inform Child Tax Credits that your son receives DLA, and what rate he is on. You will receive an additional amount for disability on top of your current amount. If your son is on high rate, there is a higher amount of CTC paid. This money is in addition to IS and CA.


IS will help you to passport to other benefits, such as housing benefit and council tax support. You will have free prescriptions and eye tests, and can get some help with the costs of taking your child to hospital appointments. Some hospitals don't charge parking for those on IS.


Hope this helps.

manutd99

Partner on contribution based JSA. Will be moved to income based as contribution based only for 6 months. I have informed tax credits about middle rate DLA

Good to hear our child tax credit won't be affected as income is less £16k. Also good to hear it won't be affected once it moves to income based. Main concern was if I claim carers allowance I didn't want child tax credit to be reduced as there would've been no point as wouldve ended up with similar amount otherwise.

Can we claim income support as a couple due to son getting DLA and hopefully soon carers allowance. As would rather do that than JSA. As I cannot look after son on my own as will not manage on own due to son's health as well as mine if he goes to work.

kingfisherblue

I know a few couples who have a disabled child and some claim IS as a couple. One friend has a child with a high level of disruptive behaviour due to severe autism and other conditions. Neither parent works as both need to be available to deal with his many needs, including collecting him from school when he has a meltdown. They claim IS, CA, CTC, HB and council tax support. A couple of years ago, the dad was transferred to JSA, but was able to move back to a couples claim for IS after he queried the change in benefits.

Tigsteroonie

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I know a few couples who have a disabled child and some claim IS as a couple. One friend has a child with a high level of disruptive behaviour due to severe autism and other conditions. Neither parent works as both need to be available to deal with his many needs, including collecting him from school when he has a meltdown.

Off-topic I know, but a single parent would be expected to manage on their own ...

GirlFromMars_2

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

Off-topic I know, but a single parent would be expected to manage on their own ...

Oh get real. If a single parent posted here about a child that needed a lot of extra care and attention it wouldn't be long before someone was asking why on earth the other parent wasn't helping instead of the state.

And for a child to be awarded DLA at such a young age they must need a lot of extra care.

This forum is about helping people get the Benefits and help they are entitled to. If you have a problem with the help they are entitled to try complaining on another forum.

McKneff

Tigsteroonie has a valid point. I didn't see any sort of complaint.


A single person would be expected to manage on there own.

marleyboy

GirlFromMars wrote: »

Oh get real. If a single parent posted here about a child that needed a lot of extra care and attention it wouldn't be long before someone was asking why on earth the other parent wasn't helping instead of the state.

And for a child to be awarded DLA at such a young age they must need a lot of extra care.

This forum is about helping people get the Benefits and help they are entitled to. If you have a problem with the help they are entitled to try complaining on another forum.

Ouch, someone hit a raw nerve there. Particularly that they were not complaining and do have a point.

Maybe there is something in it after all, as it seems you were only too quick to jump to conclusions.

kingfisherblue

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

Off-topic I know, but a single parent would be expected to manage on their own ...

Oh, I agree. And as a single parent, I do manage on my own. My ex lives about an hour away and sees the kids once a week for about six hours. I catch up on some sleep at that point!


I was married when our children were born, and even then, I did most of the things associated with the children's care. Our middle son has severe and multiple disabilities and has received HRC since he was three months old, and HRM since he was three years old. My daughter had a non-cancerous tumour when she was in her teens, needing no treatment but still giving us a scary time. My younger son is currently being tested for Asperger's Syndrome (after being treated for depression for the last few years, and despite me asking CAMHS if he could be Asperger's before now). He doesn't want anyone to know about it just yet, but wants answers regarding why he is a bit different to other teenagers (not excessively different, but there are signs). So I've been coping alone for the last ten years with three children, one disabled, one being treated for depression and now thought to be Aspie, and one with a non-cancerous tumour.


I do sometimes wonder why couples can claim IS for both of them if they have a disabled child, rather than one of them working, but to be honest, I don't have much time or energy to worry about it. I also don't live in their shoes. Their life might be harder than mine.

Horseunderwater

I would recommend that you both do a joint IS claim with U claiming CA as soon as poss, because you will be entitled to claim support for mortgage interest quicker this way. Your partner can then be at home to help you do the caring & it takes the pressure away from him job seeking for now with all that entails. You can also claim council tax support as soon as you do this - free medication for adults as well as dental treatment with help towards costs of glasses if u wear them. I hope you take my advice. Wish U well.