Local Authority financial assessment query re elderly parent

9 Posts

I am due a call from the local authority regarding a financial assessment on my mothers finances for home carers/help. We are happy to pay what is due of course but the query I have is regarding rental charges.
My Mother lives rent free in a bungalow owned by my wife and I. We bought it years ago as a rental income/investment but as my mother was struggling with stairs, we moved my parents in and I said we would not charge any rent. I lost my Father a few years ago so Mother lives alone and is now in her mid 80's and requires home carers following a fall and hip replacement operation. Prior to this I had been caring for her for the last few years regarding meals, shopping, cleaning, gardening etc.
One element on the assessment is rental costs. As Mother does not pay rent I assume the LA will not assist with a contribution to the care costs as they will view that she has enough funds. However if Mother was paying rent to a landlord her outgoings would mean that she could receive a contribution.
I know this makes me look a little mercenary but if I charge rent it would mean that finally after 14 years I would receive some income but also my mother would receive some financial help from the LA.
My question is I guess, I am allowed to start charging rent knowing that the LA are about to do the assessment? I have also paid her monthly care alarm and Sky Tv charges for the last few years, as these are Direct debits from my current account there is no record my Mothers bank statement so I dont thing they will take that in to account either unless I change the DD's to her acccount.
My Mother lives rent free in a bungalow owned by my wife and I. We bought it years ago as a rental income/investment but as my mother was struggling with stairs, we moved my parents in and I said we would not charge any rent. I lost my Father a few years ago so Mother lives alone and is now in her mid 80's and requires home carers following a fall and hip replacement operation. Prior to this I had been caring for her for the last few years regarding meals, shopping, cleaning, gardening etc.
One element on the assessment is rental costs. As Mother does not pay rent I assume the LA will not assist with a contribution to the care costs as they will view that she has enough funds. However if Mother was paying rent to a landlord her outgoings would mean that she could receive a contribution.
I know this makes me look a little mercenary but if I charge rent it would mean that finally after 14 years I would receive some income but also my mother would receive some financial help from the LA.
My question is I guess, I am allowed to start charging rent knowing that the LA are about to do the assessment? I have also paid her monthly care alarm and Sky Tv charges for the last few years, as these are Direct debits from my current account there is no record my Mothers bank statement so I dont thing they will take that in to account either unless I change the DD's to her acccount.
0
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
If you’re going to start charging rent, then you need to do it properly.
Your mother must be in receipt of a pension, surely? And if she's not paying any rent, she can't really cry poverty. If I didn't have to pay rent, I'd be quids in and then some on my pension.
You say your wife still works but some people who work are entitled to some benefits. You may be pleasantly surprised. If not, then you will have to pay care costs, like everybody else.