ESA problems

Swanlander

A friend aged 90 has been left to care for his son aged 50 who has severe learning difficulties since his also aged wife was admitted to hospital recently and she is on palliative care. The wife was the sons appointee for his ESA and DLA but she is of course unable to do this now. My friend is struggling to understand how to cope with the benefits system. He knows he has to become his sons appointee but he is unsure of how to do this as I am. There is also a telephone review due to review the sons ESA which I know dad will struggle with. Firstly how does he become his sons appointee and secondly I know he would struggle with the ESA review call. How does he get through this?

HillStreetBlues

Changing an appointee isn't straight forward, it will be easiest if his wife can remove herself.
If he will struggle managing the phone call is there no other person hat could become an  appointee? 

marcia_

 Do they have a social worker? They may be able to support them with this either directly or referring on to someone who can. 

Swanlander

HillStreetBlues - his wife is on palliative care and non communitive. There is no one else to be an appointee. Its a sad situation and I fear the son will lose his benefits.

Robbie64

Could the father speak to a local advice agency / Citizens Advice to see if any help can be given?

HillStreetBlues

He needs to contact the DWP  to say that the appointee has become incapable.
The DWP will want to interview the father to see if he's capable of fulfilling that role. 

Alice_Holt

Robbie64 said:

Could the father speak to a local advice agency / Citizens Advice to see if any help can be given?

      Agree. 

     Also social services at the local authority.  I suspect a needs assessment may be helpful. 
  In certain circumstances a LA can act as appointee / guardian. 

I'd contact local ward councillors and ask for help to navigate this situation, and establish what the LA can do to help.