Carers Allowance to end, is applying for SDP a change of circumstances ...

OptimisticallyPessamistic

My daughter has been receiving Carers Allowance for caring for me for several years - she watched all her friends take gap years then leave for universities around the country even though I begged her to live her life.

I am currently entitled to ESA (Income Related), Enhanced Disability Premium & the Support Component totalling £128.45 per week & I also receive PIP Standard Care Component & PIP Enhanced Mobility Component totalling £119.90 per week.

After years of persuasion she is contemplating going to a local university but she will have to give up Carers Allowance as she becomes entitled to loans - she worries about me as she pushes my wheelchair everywhere everywhere so I'm not missing out on too much life so to ease her mind I said I could apply for the Severe Disability Premium (which could pay for taxi or bus fares for my family & friends to help me out) but she says I would have to claim Universal Credit as that's a change in circumstances & i would lose all the disability premiums.

That would mean a devastating reduction in money & I wouldn't get the premium that I was trying to get in first place, however, before the Universal Credit launch, I could have claimed without worry. Anybody know what would happen in this scenario ....

Thank you 💜💜

poppy12345

To claim the SDP you need to live alone or be classed as living alone and you don't mention if your daughter lives with you or not. If she does then you won't be able to claim this unless she also claims a qualifying benefit such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care.


If you do live alone then you claiming SDP is not classed as a change in circumstances and won't prompt a move to UC.

[Deleted User]

As Poppy says, just one thought is she planning to go to uni this Sept? I would have thought that unless she has already applied its too late this year?

kingfisherblue

Just a thought - I am a carer and attended university part time for five years, rather than full time for three years. It meant that I could still receive CA, and more importantly, I was still able to care for my son properly. I know that your circumstances are different, but just wanted to raise the possibility of part time study. I think that you are doing the right thing, though, wanting your daughter to live her own life and further her education, instead of staying at home looking after you.

OptimisticallyPessamistic

Response to poppy12345

Hi - my daughter does not live with me - we agreed that it was best she had her own place as she wouldn't want to be bringing her friends here & watching her fuss over me so having her own place gives her privacy & much needed alone time.

What we want to know is when she ends her claim for Carers Allowance & I was to claim Severe Disability Premium, would they class that as a change of circumstances & make me claim Universal Credit where there are no additional disability premiums? Thanks xx

OptimisticallyPessamistic

Replying to KINGFISHER

My lovely daughter would have had her degree almost four years had she gone when she was 18 so asking her to wait any longer, I think, would be cruel when all I want for her, same as most parents, is the very best life. I don't want her to miss out on anything because of me but thank you for offering options, which I will run by my daughter as, in the end, it's her choice. Thanks xx

calcotti

OptimisticallyPessamistic wrote: »

What we want to know is when she ends her claim for Carers Allowance & I was to claim Severe Disability Premium, would they class that as a change of circumstances & make me claim Universal Credit where there are no additional disability premiums? Thanks xx

Poppy has answered that question at post#2.

poppy12345 wrote: »

If you do live alone then you claiming SDP is not classed as a change in circumstances and won't prompt a move to UC.

OptimisticallyPessamistic

Responding to VENISON

Going to university had been on her mind for a while & she had already confirmed her place but she wanted to make sure that I would be financially able to make arrangements for extra care while she studies - judging by replies claiming SDP won't automatically set off a very unwanted Universal Credit claim so that will be a huge relief for us both. Thanks xx

OptimisticallyPessamistic

Thank you CALCOTTI

I had read the other responses, I was clarifying what I'd asked & reasons behind it - I'm petrified about what can happen regarding my disability benefits - I've heard such terrible stories .....

Thank you, I really do appreciate everyone's replies xx

OptimisticallyPessamistic

Apologies for my method of reply - it's been several years since I last posted/replied so forgive my stupidity please xx

calcotti

OptimisticallyPessamistic wrote: »

Apologies for my method of reply - it's been several years since I last posted/replied so forgive my stupidity please xx

Nothing to apologise for. Good luck.