Monetary help available when you’re partner has mental health issues

pickledonionspaceraider

KatrinaWaves said:

Parkinson's is not classed as SMI

I get what you are saying 

@50Twuncle - it may be worth you trying though - eh.

You literally  have nowt to lose!

pickledonionspaceraider

50Twuncle said:

KatrinaWaves said:

50Twuncle said:

My council has this down as only being available IF you have building works carried out on your property - eg) a seperate downstairs toilet for use by a disabled person or a stairlift - rather than the individual "just" having the condition !

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons, 20 years ago and just live with the condition !

If you are referring to the 25% in the OP you are talking about an entirely different thing. One is an SMI exemption for mental impairments, and one is a disability band reduction which is only for adjustments to the home.

If your Parkinsons has caused you to have a severe mental impairment, and there is only one other adult in the home, then you may qualify. 

I am not SMI ! - But have Parkinsons - which, in itself is classed as a SMI

So how does this apply to myself ?

I live with one other adult in our own property

It is up to you if you want to apply then, isn't it.

It might just save you some money - if you want to try for it 

KatrinaWaves

Edited as I replied before you editted your response to say the opposite.

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/help-council-tax

It says there it may affect your mental ability, it may not. 50Twuncle has stated it does not. There is no point wasting the councils time and the doctors time.

debcon72

Ohfeelya said:

Thanks so much for this! How did you get the diagnosis? 

He is under the care of a physchiatrist but after 2 years still doesn’t have a firm diagnosis confirmed. They’re reluctant to do this so try different drug combinations and monitor progress. It’s a long process.   He was referred to mental health specialists by the GP but not the physchiatrist for probably a year.

debcon72

atlantis187 said:

How did you get the 25% council tax reduction? what proof did you have to show them?
Also the kids clothing grant did you apply for this through the school or the council and what department within the council?
Thanks

I picked up a form from the council tax office, make sure you specify if it’s for mental health issues as I was given the wrong one initially. Under normal circumstances they won’t backdate for a rebate claim but under these circumstances they do, in Scotland anyway. For the school I went into the local council website and applied online, I had to upload proof of his award letter and give them permission to approach other agencies to determine whether he qualified.

debcon72

The mortgage insurance waiver is definitely worth checking out. We didn’t even realised we had taken it and it saves us £200 a month which is a huge saving. Our unemployment income protection on the other hand wouldn’t pay out when his work terminated his employment as it was due to health reasons so read any policies thoroughly.

Clouds88

I've just come across this, its good to know. I am the sole provider and I dont want to be and never thought I would be but that's just how it is. We are waiting for the ESA assessment date (forms sent back last week). We have been too afraid to apply for PIP for fear of going through that stress to be turned down. 
My husband has tried to return to work a few times on different occasions and it just doesnt work, we could be so much better off and  not on any benefits If he was well but we just have to get on with it . I'm glad youvr had some success and hope your husband improves xx

debcon72

It’s all overwhelming and the size of the forms don’t help, but persevere every bit helps in the hard times and I’m sure you have paid plenty tax and ni so you absolutely should claim when you need to. I strongly urge you to claim pip, and as early as possible. It’s not just for physical support but also if your partner requires support and encouragement to bathe, get up, leave the house, or deal with situations. I really hope things improve for you. 

Ritakd

Clouds88 said:

I've just come across this, its good to know. I am the sole provider and I dont want to be and never thought I would be but that's just how it is. We are waiting for the ESA assessment date (forms sent back last week). We have been too afraid to apply for PIP for fear of going through that stress to be turned down. 
My husband has tried to return to work a few times on different occasions and it just doesnt work, we could be so much better off and  not on any benefits If he was well but we just have to get on with it . I'm glad youvr had some success and hope your husband improves xx

Hi, I have put off applying for PIP for several years as I got too stressed about it and had heard so many horror stories about the process. Leeds (where I live) have a brilliant, welfare service to help it's residents apply for any aid, allowances or benefits, completely independent and solely focused on helping me.
I contacted them last week and booked an appointment with one of their support workers. She was wonderful, talked through all my history and completed the PIP form for me in clear and concise way to make sure everything was covered. She emailed me an electronic version so all I have to do is fill in the front page of my PIP form and attach her emailed copy...done! 
It was so easy, they are experts in Pip, Jobseekers, ESA, etc...
I would imagine most councils have similar support available, worth asking?
Rita x

[Deleted User]

I think the thing that puts me off about claiming 25% off council tax is that whilst I have autism so can be considered to have a mentail impairment .., but severe?  I do claim PIP but still wouldn't feel easy claiming SMI. I would have thought that was for people really severely affected and really severely disfunctional.