Carer's Allowance refused - Should I fight back alone, or do I need backup?

shelleywa

sportsarb wrote: »

The departments aren’t run by automatons, there is simply no way to depart from the legislation, it’s more often than not a basic rule that isn’t open to interpretation. It’s ordinary people doing these jobs, and it can be extremely frustrating having to deny benefits to people, harder than paying it to people that take the !!!! out of the system truth be told.

I understand it must be frustrating for the employees. It would make more sense if these claims could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refuse the ones repeatedly screwing the system. And approve the ones who are genuine and would actually SAVE the Gov't money on nurse's wages (and simultaneously relieve some of the pressure on those very overworked nurses), instead of breaking families apart and forcing sick elderly folk to die angry and alone. Doesn't make sense

shelleywa

Skibunny40 wrote: »

You can re-apply once you've been in the country long enough to qualify.

Unfortunately, my Dad doesn't have that long left

PasturesNew

shelleywa wrote: »

...dying from terminal cancer. ...

shelleywa wrote: »

Unfortunately, my Dad doesn't have that long left

Is he claiming the full Attendance Allowance, which is fast-tracked under "special rules"?

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/benefits-entitlements/living-with-terminal-illness/attendance-allowance

pearl123

Contact Citizens Advice Bureau. It’s free and the can offer help.

Browntoa

pearl123 wrote: »

Contact Citizens Advice Bureau. It’s free and the can offer help.

See post 1 , they tried

M_Python

If you're not having any luck with CAB, you could try Macmillan.

pmlindyloo

M_Python wrote: »

If you're not having any luck with CAB, you could try Macmillan.

Or this organisation.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/talk-to-us

shelleywa

PasturesNew wrote: »

Is he claiming the full Attendance Allowance, which is fast-tracked under "special rules"?

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/benefits-entitlements/living-with-terminal-illness/attendance-allowance

Yes, he is on the Higher rate. They just increased it by £2, I guess that's my wages

calcotti

shelleywa wrote: »

Yes, he is on the Higher rate. They just increased it by £2, I guess that's my wages

That's the annual increase that takes place in April.

Carer's Allowance is not going to be an option because you fall foul of the rules. As has been suggested you should be able to claim Universal Credit and if successful this would pay you £478.02/month.

TELLIT01

shelleywa wrote: »

I understand it must be frustrating for the employees. It would make more sense if these claims could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refuse the ones repeatedly screwing the system. And approve the ones who are genuine and would actually SAVE the Gov't money on nurse's wages (and simultaneously relieve some of the pressure on those very overworked nurses), instead of breaking families apart and forcing sick elderly folk to die angry and alone. Doesn't make sense

Whilst I understand your frustration, to try to consider each case individually would actually be a recipe for chaos within the system. You could easily get 2 different people reviewing the same case and coming up with a different outcome due to their own perceptions and prejudices. When there are strict rules laid down in order to qualify there is at least consistency.

How would you identify those 'screwing the system'? People can genuinely be claiming multiple benefits whilst others are very good at knowing legislation and 'adjust' reality so that they fit the requirements.