Any new benefits after diagnosis change (now terminal)

Troytempest

Stepmother lives in a rented bungalow. She receives her State Pension plus a small private pension and Attendance allowance.
About 6 years ago she was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and with steadily worsening symptoms has had to pay privately for carers who come in 3 times per day.
Over the past 2 years her savings have dwindled to about £110k. She is happy to stay in her own home with increasing amounts of care.
Recently her Neurologist changed her diagnosis to PSP which he says will be terminal in about 6 months.
Does this change anything with regard to more state funding?
Thank you.  

Flugelhorn

I haven't caught up with this since they changed the old DS1500 to the new SR1 - but  worth reading up on this re the "special rules" 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-factual-medical-reports-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/the-special-rules-how-the-benefit-system-supports-people-nearing-the-end-of-life

NedS

What rate of Attendance Allowance is currently in payment?

If it's not the higher rate, then completing the SR1 process highlighted above by @Flugelhorn may allow for the higher rate to be paid.

Troytempest

It is the lower rate at present........

fuzzzzy

Troytempest said:

Stepmother lives in a rented bungalow. She receives her State Pension plus a small private pension and Attendance allowance.
About 6 years ago she was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and with steadily worsening symptoms has had to pay privately for carers who come in 3 times per day.
Over the past 2 years her savings have dwindled to about £110k. She is happy to stay in her own home with increasing amounts of care.
Recently her Neurologist changed her diagnosis to PSP which he says will be terminal in about 6 months.
Does this change anything with regard to more state funding?
Thank you.  

You could try applying for continuing health care to cover all caring costs.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/

If you manage to get NHS Continuing Healthcare then Attendance Allowance should continue whilst she remains in her own home.

CosmoChic

Has she had her council tax exempted due to her Parkinson's diagnosis? 
If not, it may be worth looking into Council Tax Exemption (Severe Mental Incapacity) from her local council. 
I believe it can be backdated/refunded for quite a while i.e. many years (assuming the diagnosis is of that duration).

NedS

Troytempest said:

It is the lower rate at present........

Thank you. Applying under the SR1 process linked above for (a change of circumstance for) Attendance Allowance should result in the immediate award of the higher rate, so that is worth doing.

peteuk

PIP - theres a form that your gp can provide as she is terminal, and has less than 1 yr, this will automatically get her PIP 

IGNORE - didn’t  clock SPA sorry.  Thanks NedS for the correction.

NedS

peteuk said:

PIP - theres a form that your gp can provide as she is terminal, and has less than 1 yr, this will automatically get her PIP

They are over SPC age and already in receipt of Attendance Allowance, albeit at the lower rate.

Troytempest

Thanks all - several things for us to look at.