child benefit - how to change it when OH is not mentally able

stephen77

calcotti wrote: »

Don’tknow If it will work - was just a suggestion, but definitely worth asking HMRC. They may be able to offer an alternative.

Still thank you. He did say the same thing, if they can't do it, they should know which department can.

stephen77

Mojisola wrote: »

As her health is so bad, she should be getting health benefits which will give her NI credits towards a pension.

I am not sure.
I will copy this thread into a work email on Monday as he may not be aware of the options he has available to him.

stephen77

calcotti wrote: »

Only if child is under 12 years old - but it's a good point.

OP, if the child is under 12 your friend may want to see if they can simply get the benefit paid to a different account while keeping wife as the claimant so she gets NI credits if she needs them.

They have 2 children under 12.
They are both under 6 so plenty of years left before they are 12.

elsien

He could also look at council tax exemption for her on the grounds of severe mental impairment.
Tell him to run the household income details through one of the benefits calculators such as entitledto or turn2us.
But PIP is non means tested so he should definitely look into that.

stephen77

WillowCat wrote: »

If too much income/capital for means tested benefits, and she doesn't have the required NI conts, then she can (or rather he on her behalf once he has appointeeship) make a claim for credits only ESA.

Without know exactly.
She had been working about 18 years with 9 to 12 months off for maternity during that time.
Not sure on her pay as never asked. But guessing 25,000 to 40,000 a year mark for a good couple of years before her stroke.
I believe she was a part of a Final salary pension scheme.

stephen77

elsien wrote: »

He could also look at council tax exemption for her on the grounds of severe mental impairment.
Tell him to run the household income details through one of the benefits calculators such as entitledto or turn2us.
But PIP is non means tested so he should definitely look into that.

Will do on Monday.
I am not sure what he is paying.

Thank you.

calcotti

Please also point your friend to 'new style' ESA. Wife will not be eligible if she currently receives Statutory Sick Pay but if she paid NI contributions from April 2016 to March 2018 will be eligible if not receiving SSP, or when it ends. New style ESA is not means tested so will not be affected by your friend's income or any joint capital they have.

Benefits calculator will indicate whether they are eligible for Universal Credit - this will depend on income and savings. However if they are currently claiming tax credits they need to be aware that Universal Credit would end the tax credits. If they have access to an advice agency they may want to get a benefit check done.

stephen77

Thank you for the above help.

They are in the process giving him and his wife a joint account.