Whats available to my special needs son at 18?

stazi

The reason for the visit is to continue to confirm that you are a fit and suitable person to act on your son's behalf- no offence intended. When he was under 16 he was treated as a 'child' for social security puposes. Now that he's over 16 he's treated as an 'adult'- ie he can/could claim any benefit in his own right.
As you have been his Appointee, the visit is just a formality- but important nevertheless, as DWP/JCP have to ensure that you are still 'fit and suitable' - it is your son's benefit afterall.

Mrs_B_12

Try http://www.after16.org.uk/ for useful info for your son and for you as a parent.

MXW

flufff wrote: »

DLA claim expires when hes 18 so hoping to get that renewed whilst hes still at school before he leaves everyone he knows for references.
Just had appointee form sent back but had no reply from dla.Do I need to see a solicitor over this as he cant manage his own affairs?
Connexions have been in touch with my son at school but dont really get involved till after this year.
Yes I understand about carers allowance.Job centre have been trying to push me into a min pay job at 16 hours no more whilst trying to look after my son and siblings :-( as if that isnt hard enough without any family.Thats why I'm going college part time to do an access course to study to earn enough for a well paid job providing kids dont get ill.I'm scared of being stuck on carers allowance on a min wage.
I understand income support is beoming part of tax credits.So would my son automatically qualify for this at 18 or would he be needing to seek work hes not capable of?Or would it be incapacity?
The other thing if he is on benefits living at home would it affect my council tax and rent rebate?I understand i'll lose 25% single adult but whilst at home with younger children would I still get full housing benefit.
My local benefit office has closed so I dont know where to enquire about this.

I have not got any advice for you. What I would like to say as a single mum of two boys I find it very hard working and juggling my boys who are not disabled, you are a fantastic mum dealing with what you do and you should be very proud of yourself. good luck xx

suelees1

Hi fluff, you're right in that once your son becomes 18 and no longer a dependant then your income will reduce substantially. However his income will then be relatively high particularly as he won't be running a home if he's living with you.

I think it only fair that he should expect to pay his way and this means him making a really fair contribution to the household. After all he'll be an adult and if he lived alone then he'd have to fork out a lot more than he would at home.

I think it's up to you to decide what a reasonable contribution would be. This can't be base on what the government say carers should get. Carers Allowance is an insult. It's not a fair wage for looking after a disabled person. How the hell they can call this an income replacement benefit is beyond me. If employers paid that amount for a 35 hour week they'd be prosecuted.