Universal Credit, means testing and power of attorney over a parent..

hollytee9

I hope someone can give me some advice as this is a slightly complicated situation.
Due to my own poor long-term health I currently receive ESA support group benefit. Shortly after I became ill 7 years ago my elderly father suggested I live with him. I currently give him £300 a month "Boarding", which contributes towards my share of the food and utility bills, which leaves me with around £130 per month for myself.

9 months ago father was diagnosed with dementia and the consultant suggested that it would be a wise decision to see a solicitor and my father give me power of attorney, so if his condition deteriorates I would be able to help manage his finances, pay his bills, etc. Though my father is forgetful he lives a fairly normal independent life, though as I now have power of attorney his bank added my name his account and over the past few months he has asked me to manage his finances, making sure his bills are paid on time and deal with any problems he has. My father also made the decision to add me onto the deeds of his home.

I know at some point in the future my ESA benefit will be replaced by Universal Credit and that the new benefit is means tested, but how would this affect any future Universal Credit claim?
As for my own personal finances I know I am well under any income or savings limits. I have a small amount of savings of £1800 and do not receive any other benefits, (I was told as I live with a relative I was not entitled to any form of housing benefit). Financially I manage with what I have and live within my means.
But would having power of attorney over my fathers finances affect the DWP view of my own personal finances? I know with partners and spouses savings and other income is counted as joint wealth, but my fathers money and savings are solely his, not mine. I am not his partner, I do not benefit financially from his income and savings.

I'm just a daughter trying to do my best for an elderly parent, but now concerned that the DWP may attempt to view my fathers finances with my own.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

calcotti

If your ESA is contribution based it will continue as contribution based even with the rollout of UC. Only the means tested part of ESA is replaced by UC. Your award may be a mix of both.

xylophone

You have PoA but your father's money is not yours and cannot be regarded as yours.

You should ensure that all of his accounts etc are in his own name with you recorded as PoA.

hollytee9

calcotti wrote: »

If your ESA is contribution based it will continue as contribution based even with the rollout of UC. Only the means tested part of ESA is replaced by UC. Your award may be a mix of both.

I will be honest I am pretty ignorant when it comes to benefits, I had no idea what contribution or means tested ESA was, I looked elsewhere online and I'm still not quite sure what it is.
I worked full time from the age of 16-30, became ill which left me unable to work. I spent 3 years living off my savings until I ran out of money and had to apply for ESA. I assume as I am I unable to work and was placed in the support group 5 years ago my ESA is means based, though that is purely a guess.

xylophone wrote: »

You have PoA but your father's money is not yours and cannot be regarded as yours.
You should ensure that all of his accounts etc are in his own name with you recorded as PoA.

That has put my mind at rest somewhat. I will check with his bank that I am recorded as PoA.


Thank you both for taking the time to reply.