Terminally ill parent

f0nz

Morning all! I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place so if this needs moved mods feel free!

After my dad seeming not right a couple of weeks ago he was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for testing and unfortunately yesterday my mum and I were given the devastating news that he has an inoperable brain tumor and only has months left. We're telling the rest of the family today.

It may seem callous for me to be posting on a benefits forum a day after receiving such news but it's only because I only found out the state of their financial situation on Tuesday. My dads memory was how we realised something wasn't quite right so I was trying to get his usernames and passwords for his online accounts etc so that my mum had access and could sort out bills. My dad has always been in charge of the finances and my mum has never had to deal with it. I also don't want her worrying about finances and want her to cherish the time she has left with my dad.

To cut a long story short they're struggling, and when my dad passes my mother won't cope financially. I was wondering if anyone knew what sorts of things I can look into for her that she may be entitled to so that we can be prepared. From what I've seen so far they have around £4.5k of debt, may be slightly more as I can't access 2 credit cards yet so will have to look for statements. They own their own home outright, my dad has an extremely small works pension as he was royally screwed over, it's around £350 a month, he gets state pension and my mum gets partial state pension as she didn't have enough NI contributions. That's all they receive. They are both just shy of 70.

Any help would be gratefully received!

allen35

You should be applying for Attendance Allowance (0345 605 6055) under special rules, ask the consultant or GP for a DS1500, sometimes they send this form straight to DWP.

By having this form for people with a terminal illness will quicken the process and give extra income of £82.30 pw.

Your mum could then apply for Carer's Allowance (approx' £62 pw)which, if more than her State pension will be topped up but may be more beneficial later on.

If your dad does pass away your mum may be entitled to part of your dad's State Pension and OCC' Pension, you will also need to look into claiming Pension Credit and Council Tax benefit for your mum.

Have a look at the links below for further info', she may be entitled to a funeral grant to help with the funeral costs depending on finances, this can be claimed up to 3 months after as long as your mum is in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

I hope you don't feel i'm too forward but unfortunately knowing these things are taken care off for a later date can be reasssuring.

I wish you all well in the next few months.

https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

https://www.gov.uk/death-spouse-benefits-tax-pension

https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

pmlindyloo

I am extremely sorry to hear the news about your dad.

The awarding of some benefits may be affected depending on where your dad is.

If he is staying in hospital then he will not be eligible for Attendance Allowance so your mum cannot claim Carer's allowance if he doesn't receive this.

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/benefits-hospital

As well as the excellent links above is there anyone who you can talk to at the hospital? A social worker for example? There may be help with car park fees/travelling costs.

As regards the future if you ring AgeUK they can be very supportive and will help your mum access all the benefits she is eligible for. It is always useful to have someone to 'take control' during such a horrible time.

f0nz

Thank you so much to both of you, I will look into those links later on.

The specialists are having a meeting today to discuss the "action plan" and then the consultant will come and speak to us. He's having steroids to reduce the swelling on his brain so once they see how that's working etc over the next few days he will get home as there's nothing they can do for him so he will be better off at home. We'll know more by th end of the day so I can then talk to my brothers and sisters and try and get everything sorted between us.

Thanks again!

Indie_Kid

Very sorry to hear your news. Have you posted on the Debt Free Wannabe board in regards to the credit card debt?

merlin68

She can claim pension credit now which will top up their income to £226 a week and passport them to council tax paid. I would get someone from age uk or Mcmillan to come round and help them with all the claims. Sorry about your dad.
re the debt i would go to cab and sort out paying a pound a month.

kingfisherblue

Such sad news, you must be devastated.


Regarding the credit card debts - is there any PPI on them? If your dad has paid this, it might cover the cost of the payments due.

xylophone

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS48_Pension_Credit_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true

Have a look at the above.

SandraScarlett

I'm so sorry to read your sad news. It's devastating trying to cope with everything, and you are to be applauded for trying to help your Mum as much as you can.


When my DH died a few months ago, I was getting about £75 a week pension, but after his death, it increased by over £100. Some very kind folk on the Pension Board advised me of what I could expect to get, and they were spot on.


I didn't have to apply, as it was done automatically when the death was registered, and various agencies were informed, without me having to do this, so that's one less thing to worry about.


My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.


xx

f0nz

Thank you so much for all of your kind words, I really do appreciate them. Today has been a good day considering. The steroids have worked very quickly at reducing the swelling and dad seemed so much better today and was able to communicate, read and understand pretty much everything we were saying. After seeing him yesterday it was such a great change. We know that this is temporary but no matter how long for its just lovely to see "him" still in there and that makes a huge difference.

I will look at all of the links and advice over the weekend and let mum know the options etc.

Thank you all so much again!

allen35

If your Dad isn't receiving DLA or Attendance Allowance at present you can request the forms and the claim will go from the date you requested it and you will have up to 6 weeks to return it.

if he does receive DLA or AA and it's not the highest rate of care contact DWP and confirm a change in circ's under special rules if you have a DS1500 from GP.