New to all of this, help required

twinkle33uk

I am receiving Income Support, Housing and Council Tax Benefit, and both high care and mobility components of DLA. My daughter who was living with me has now moved out, so I am living alone.

While talking to a friend today, she mentioned that she thought I should be receiving more money than I do, and also should be able to find some sort of help for me to live independenely. I receive £193.40 from Income Support every 2 weeks (£96.70 per week) as well as £258 every 4 weeks DLA. The Mobility component goes direct to pay for my car, which I have under the Motability scheme. The HB is paid directly to my landlord and I pay the £10 shortfall each week once a month to him.

I know I've probably been a little bit too independent and proud since I've been disabled (just over 2 years) Although I had an assessment 2 years ago by Social Services, and was given basic equipment like kitchen aids, my landlord said he would take care of fixing me rails etc around the house. This didn't happen. I have to travel to my friends house some 30 mins drive away to use her shower, as I am unable to get into the bath, and the bath aids offered either didn't fit my bath or I was unable to use.

I am obviously not getting any younger, and since my daughter left home I've started to realise I can't do as much as I thought I could!

So, as a total newbie to all of this can someone tell me if I am claiming all I should, and where to go to get help?

Many thanks

cattie

If you are living alone & receive high rate care dla & nobody claims carers allowance for you, you should qualify for a disability premium on your income support, which can help pay for extra help.

It isn't given automatically & it's something you will need to apply for, so contact the office which pays your IS to apply for the disability premium.

If your home isn't suitable for you then ask your doctor for a letter & see if you can get more suitable housing from the council or a housing association.

healy

The premium you need to ask about is the Severe Disability Premium and not the Disability Premium.

Errata

It might be worth tallking to your local social services about Direct Payments.

mouseymousey99

Please would someone explain what the severe disability premium is?
many thanks...

healy

mouseymousey99 wrote: »

Please would someone explain what the severe disability premium is?
many thanks...

The following link gives details of premiums for means tested benefits including the SDP:http://www.disabilityalliance.org/is4.htm

twinkle33uk

Thank you to everyone who replied. I will contact the Income Support people on Monday. It does look like I qualify for the Severe Disability Premium. Thanks xx