Stroke and disability benefit

lovelylass_2

Hi everyone
I'm writing on behalf of my mother in law. She has recently had a stroke (within the last week) and is currently still in hospital. Her mobility is affected along with her speech but they think this will come back with time (not sure on the timeframe). She is a widower of 2 years and only gets a basic pension (approx. £150) per week. (I think). does anyone know which benefits I should be getting her to claim? I will have to do all the form filling for her as well as trying to get a charity grant to purchase a new cooker as we found out it has been broken for 2 weeks but she didn't tell us (didn't want to bother us). We cant afford to help her out as we are currently managing our debt so will need to apply to charities. My father in law was ex-military (national service and fighting in the Suez) so I'm not sure whether I can approach SSAFA or British legion for assistance. The only other problem is that she lives in Peterborough and we live in Birmingham so due to work can only travel on weekends. Any advice would be useful and welcomed.


Many thanks

rogerblack

I assume she's over 65.
She therefore would claim Attendance Allowance, in principle. This would require she has significant care needs over the normal person of her age - and that she is expected to have them for a total of 6 months.
She may be entitled three months (ish) from now, if her disability remains severe.
Things differ if she is likely not to make six months.
She cannot claim PIP, or ESA, or ... due to her being of pension age.
I

Mojisola

lovelylass wrote: »

My father in law was ex-military (national service and fighting in the Suez) so I'm not sure whether I can approach SSAFA or British legion for assistance.

I found SSAFA very helpful.

There should be someone at the hospital who can advise on benefits. If not, contact the Stroke Association or AgeUK.

McKneff

She could apply to ssafa for help and also British Legion.


Heres to a speedy recovery for her.

pmlindyloo

Attendance Allowance

See here:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/attendance-allowance-aa

Needs to have had the care needs for 6 months to qualify.

Pension Credit

Google for criteria - dependent on income and savings

If she is eligible for Guarantee Pension Credits (any amount) then she is eligible for housing cost/council tax support automatically.

Make sure she has an assessment of needs through social services before she returns home.

Best wishes for her speedy recovery.

Use the turn2us grants facility if you have no joy with others.

Finefoot

You could also ask for the intermediate care team to put some care in place for when she leaves hospital

HB58

There is no mobility element of AA so emphasis must be placed on personal care needs if/when applying.

lovelylass_2

Thank you everyone- since the government have changed their website it is even harder to find information. You are all wonderful. My mother in law is doing ok, just need to get her home now x

Becles

Definitely get in touch with the Stroke Association. They will help her fill in all the forms for Attendance Allowance if she can't manage them herself.

They can also advise and help with anything else she might be entitled to like adaptations to her home. All of that is means tested though so it depends on how much income and savings they already have.

xylophone

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

If her income is as low as you indicate, she may be eligible?