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Stroke and disability benefit

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

Comments

  • rogerblack
    rogerblack Posts: 9,446 Forumite
    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
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    She could apply to ssafa for help and also British Legion.


    Heres to a speedy recovery for her.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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
    Finefoot Posts: 644 Forumite
    You could also ask for the intermediate care team to put some care in place for when she leaves hospital
    Loving the sunny days!
  • HB58
    HB58 Posts: 1,787 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    There is no mobility element of AA so emphasis must be placed on personal care needs if/when applying.
  • 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
    Becles Posts: 13,184 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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.
    Here I go again on my own....
  • xylophone
    xylophone Posts: 45,744 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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?
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