Mother in law appointee

sabah0121

Hi, 

My mother in law has dementia and she lives with us. I am an appointee for her and her benefits are paid into my account. 

I also get Universal Credit.  Will that affect my UC benefit!  My savings is less than 6k.  

I will be contacting DWP to change bank details so her payments are kept separate 

She gets pension credit and attendance allowance. I am just trying to make a list of expenses. Can I deduct money for living and bills? And if so how much it will be reasonable to do so? 

I am just making sure I have all the details to hand if asked.  

Thanks 

RAS

How many adults in the household? Do you have any children? 

Personal expenses and a portion of the household bills and food.

TimeLord1

Well, they've obviously approved the account previously, or they wouldn't be paying it in. Your mother-in-law's payments will have a code next to them. Keep all paperwork that made you the appointee and anything relating to changes to her payments being changed to your bank details.

Under 6K you don't have to worry; it's if you get a review and the mother-in-law's payments into your account are queried. So all evidence needs to be kept.

sabah0121

RAS said:

How many adults in the household? Do you have any children? 

Personal expenses and a portion of the household bills and food.

3 adults (including my mother in law) and 2 children’s. 

What percentage do you think I should apply to personal expenses and household bills? 

End of last year I paid 2k for her nationality application which came out from my pocket and it shows on my credit card statement. 

I am worried of UC questioning it. 

Thanks 

sabah0121

TimeLord1 said:

Well, they've obviously approved the account previously, or they wouldn't be paying it in. Your mother-in-law's payments will have a code next to them. Keep all paperwork that made you the appointee and anything relating to changes to her payments being changed to your bank details.

Under 6K you don't have to worry; it's if you get a review and the mother-in-law's payments into your account are queried. So all evidence needs to be kept.

I had a visit from DWP 2 years ago and I was registered as an appointee. They took my bank details for payment.  I was claiming tax credits at that time so never thought about it. 

Yes her National insurance number shows next to the payment I receive in my account. 

Keep_pedalling

I think it would be best to separate your income from hers. Transfer her share of household expenses to cover food and energy costs. Any personal items she needs such as clothing can be paid from her account. Do you or your husband actually have power of attorney for her? If you don’t then you are not going to be able to manage an account in her name. 

The money you spent on that application should also be repaid from her savings or income. 

born_again

sabah0121 said:

RAS said:

How many adults in the household? Do you have any children? 

Personal expenses and a portion of the household bills and food.

3 adults (including my mother in law) and 2 children’s. 

What percentage do you think I should apply to personal expenses and household bills? 

End of last year I paid 2k for her nationality application which came out from my pocket and it shows on my credit card statement. 

I am worried of UC questioning it. 

Thanks 

DWP do not look at credit cards.

I would open a separate account for her money to be paid into, could be under your name & with same bank. Just makes it a lot easier to manage any checks by DWP.
Do you get carers allowance for her?
Rough guess £50 a week for personal expenses and household bills? Really is a hard one to work out, as a lot will depend on her needs.

TimeLord1

sabah0121 said:

TimeLord1 said:

Well, they've obviously approved the account previously, or they wouldn't be paying it in. Your mother-in-law's payments will have a code next to them. Keep all paperwork that made you the appointee and anything relating to changes to her payments being changed to your bank details.

Under 6K you don't have to worry; it's if you get a review and the mother-in-law's payments into your account are queried. So all evidence needs to be kept.

I had a visit from DWP 2 years ago and I was registered as an appointee. They took my bank details for payment.  I was claiming tax credits at that time so never thought about it. 

Yes her National insurance number shows next to the payment I receive in my account. 

It makes sense, though, to separate the money to stop any confusion about how her money is spent on food, clothing, or bills. But currently it's not an issue with UC unless you report a change. But as long as you keep good records for her deductions for daily living expenses. Not much to worry about being organized, transparent, and ensuring that her benefits are used for her well-being; medical treatment, you are fulfilling your role as her appointee responsibly. 

sabah0121

TimeLord1 said:

sabah0121 said:

TimeLord1 said:

Well, they've obviously approved the account previously, or they wouldn't be paying it in. Your mother-in-law's payments will have a code next to them. Keep all paperwork that made you the appointee and anything relating to changes to her payments being changed to your bank details.

Under 6K you don't have to worry; it's if you get a review and the mother-in-law's payments into your account are queried. So all evidence needs to be kept.

I had a visit from DWP 2 years ago and I was registered as an appointee. They took my bank details for payment.  I was claiming tax credits at that time so never thought about it. 

Yes her National insurance number shows next to the payment I receive in my account. 

It makes sense, though, to separate the money to stop any confusion about how her money is spent on food, clothing, or bills. But currently it's not an issue with UC unless you report a change. But as long as you keep good records for her deductions for daily living expenses. Not much to worry about being organized, transparent, and ensuring that her benefits are used for her well-being; medical treatment, you are fulfilling your role as her appointee responsibly. 

Thanks.  Yes will be moving her benefits to separate account. 

You mentioned ‘report a change’ what type of change that will be? 

I don’t get Carer Allowance. I do get carer element on UC. 

Thanks 

TimeLord1

Just in general guidelines. I don't think anything you will be doing is relevant to report for UC, so it won't affect your current claim so no change.


Generally only what is on the list. 
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/changes-of-circumstances