Question regarding overnight carers

HarryMonkee

Hello guys I am posting this question for a family member.
She suffers from a mental disorder which affects her day to day life. We are a close family and financially, physically and morally we are all there for her.
Due to some unexpected changes within her life she needs more care than at other times. This includes having someone stay with her overnight.
All the above is not the issue but it gives you an outline to explain my question better.
She lives alone and the benefits she is in receipt of are ESA support group with an additional severe disability component, housing, partial council tax and DLA.
So my question is, should we inform a benefit department she is having a carer stay at night just in case a nosey neighbour gets nasty and reports her for living with someone? The last thing she needs are false accusations and more stress.
Thank you in advance for constructive advice offered. Please don't make judgement on her situation.

Almost-free

Does she received middle or higher rate DLA care component ? If so, who ever stays with her can claim carer's allowance if their are own earnings are below about £110. That would be one way of dealing with this difficult situation. I think generally it's always best to tell the various departments of a change in circumstances though.

HarryMonkee

Almost-free wrote: »

Does she received middle or higher rate DLA care component ? If so, who ever stays with her can claim carer's allowance if their are own earnings are below about £110. That would be one way of dealing with this difficult situation. I think generally it's always best to tell the various departments of a change in circumstances though.

Thank you for replying and your advice. She receives the middle rate for care at home. Its stated on the forms she receives care of one kind or another daily and occasionally overnight. Its just a situation has occurred which lets say is affecting her more than usual and for her own safety we, as a family, want someone with her overnight. With something like this its hard to tell how long it will be. Could be a matter of a few more weeks, could be longer.
The money side for a carer is not a problem. Its the legality of having someone stay every night we want to make sure we get right for her.

pmlindyloo

Almost-free wrote: »

Does she received middle or higher rate DLA care component ? If so, who ever stays with her can claim carer's allowance if their are own earnings are below about £110. That would be one way of dealing with this difficult situation. I think generally it's always best to tell the various departments of a change in circumstances though.

If someone claims Carer's Allowance for her then she would lose her Severe Disability Payment - not a good idea.:)

pmlindyloo

HarryMonkee wrote: »

Thank you for replying and your advice. She receives the middle rate for care at home. Its stated on the forms she receives care of one kind or another daily and occasionally overnight. Its just a situation has occurred which lets say is affecting her more than usual and for her own safety we, as a family, want someone with her overnight. With something like this its hard to tell how long it will be. Could be a matter of a few more weeks, could be longer.
The money side for a carer is not a problem. Its the legality of having someone stay every night we want to make sure we get right for her.

How many bedrooms does her house have? You can have a carer staying overnight and this will entitle the claimant of HB to an extra bedroom in their allowance.

So is she getting all her rent paid?

I know you didn't ask that but thought I should mention this as it may help financially.

As regards having a carer staying overnight I am not quite sure about your concern about the legal position. Could you clarify?
Are you concerned that the landlord of the property might think someone else is living there? Or something else?

OK ,have just reread you posts. You are concerned that she may be reported for someone living there when she is receiving the severe disability premium for living alone?

Presumably a carer will have their own residence and just staying there overnight? Or do you mean they are moving in to care for her? Are you suing a care agency?

HarryMonkee

No one claims carers allowance for her and I use the word carer as a generalisation. The person staying with her will be family or close friend but its for a medical reason and not because she just wants to have a friend stay. Hence my use of the word carer. Its not something anyone is going to benefit from financially. I've explained above why its currently needed.
Her home is a 1 bed council property. She also has a single sofa bed which is used by whoever is staying. My main concern is having an overnight guest every night for the purpose of ensuring her safety which is all disclosed on her claims forms and is why she receives the money she receives. I know if someone just stays a couple of nights and do not contribute to running costs of the property its acceptable.

Cyclamen

Hello,

If it will set worries at rest there is no harm writing in explaining that there will be an overnght carer some nights but at the moment I wouldn't bother see how long it is needed for. You are allowed house guests whilst receiving HB so a few weeks should be fine.

If this is a long term situation you may want to look at a change of circumstances as she may eb entitled to more DLA which is likely to be PIP now.

Is she happy with family staying over? If she wants someone independent it may be time to talk to social services also.

I am glad she as family looking out for her.

HarryMonkee

Cyclamen wrote: »

Hello,

If it will set worries at rest there is no harm writing in explaining that there will be an overnght carer some nights but at the moment I wouldn't bother see how long it is needed for. You are allowed house guests whilst receiving HB so a few weeks should be fine.

If this is a long term situation you may want to look at a change of circumstances as she may eb entitled to more DLA which is likely to be PIP now.

Is she happy with family staying over? If she wants someone independent it may be time to talk to social services also.

I am glad she as family looking out for her.

Thank you so much for your comments. My wife used to deal with all this but sadly we've split and as the eldest sibling I want to be sure everything is above board.
She can't cope with strangers in her home which is why we are dealing with this and by doing it ourselves we can ensure she gets the best care she needs.