Mother in Law Help

Fromdownwest

Good afternoon all,

This is the first time that we have had to look at benefits and benefit entitlement, and I must say, I am amazed at how complicate the whole thing is!

My MIL lives alone in her own home, no mortgage. She is 60, and up until 2 years ago worked all her life.

She suffers from Fibromyalgia, hip dysplasia and degenerative disc disease.
She is incapable of working now, as any length of time spent standing is very painful.

We have applied for PIP but she got refused due to not enough points, she does have a habit of playing things down.
Could any one please list the benefits that she may be entitiled to, including council tax discount, broadband cost of living payments etc

She has no savings, so means tested are not an issue.

Also, any  routes to challenge PIP claims? With a GP letter etc?

Look forward to all your help with this

calcotti

PIP is awarded on the difficulty experienced carrying out the specified activities. If she thinks the refusal is wrong she should challenge it - all the way to a tribunal if necessary.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/
GP letter is not usually particularly helpful.
'Playing things down' may be a good way of coping in life but is definitely not the tight way to approach a claim for a disability claim. Saying 'I manage' is OK but should be followed with 'by doing x, y and z to deal with the difficulties I have.'

There is guidance on filling out the PIP2 form here
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/
It's a good idea to give examples of what happens when she carries out the activities and/or what prevents her doing them.

if she didn't complete the form in this way previously she can add now information as part of the Mandatory Reconsideration.

If you want a third party to assist you try https://advicelocal.uk

In respect of other benefits she should look at Universal Credit. She should declare her health condition supported by a Fit Note as part of the claim.

She may also be able to get Council Tax Reduction from her local council.

A benefits calculator will give her an idea of what she may be able to get
https://www.entitledto.co.uk
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk

What has she been living off since she stopped work two years ago?

tacpot12

When she claims Universal Credit, she will be asked if she has a disability or health condition that prevents or limits her ability to work. Answering yes will result in her being sent another form, the UC50 form which collects information so that DWP can see whether they need to do a face-to-face Work Capability Assessment on her to see if she is fit for work. If they find that she is not going to be fit to work again, they will pay her more as part of her UC. 

poppy12345

tacpot12 said:

 If they find that she is not going to be fit to work again, they will pay her more as part of her UC. 

That's a little misleading. If she's found to have LCW there's no extra money each month. If she's found to have LCWRA then she will receive extra money from the 4th month after the health condition was reported, providing you sent a fit note within 7 days of this and continued to send them without any gaps until the decision was made on the claim.

tacpot12

Thank you for clarifying the requirements to receive the extra payment for LCWRA. I hoped that my phrase "not going to be fit to work again" would be understood to be equivalent to LCWRA (and not LCW) , but I understand that the  OP is new to learning about the benefits system and I should have been clearer. 

poppy12345

tacpot12 said:

I hoped that my phrase "not going to be fit to work again" would be understood to be equivalent to LCWRA

Nope because even with LCWRA this doesn't mean you're not fit to work again. People still work whilst being found to have LCWRA.  Even with LCW this doesn't mean you're fit to work.

Fromdownwest

Thank you all for your help and guidance.

Up until 4 months ago, my OH was paying all her bills. I paid our house hold bills. However, due to the increase in cost of living, she has had to subsise our house hold, and pay less to her mother.

I will take a look at all the very useful information provided.

Thank you again for taking time, it is very much appreciated.