stopping work

nm8553

I am 55 and my wife is 63. She is disabled and her health is deteriorating. Currently she gets DLA - higher level mobility and low level care. We are trying to get this uplifted to middle level so I can claim Carers Allowance. We could manage quite well on this income with Pension Credit (to supplement her nominal retirement pension) plus Housing and CT benefits. I won't get my deferred pension until I am 65.

I have looked as hard as I can but I am unable to find anything to prevent me from stopping work and claiming these specific benefits. I can get an NI credit against the carers allowance and can see no reason to have to try to claim JSA (for which I wouldnt qualify initially as I am resigning from work not being retired or fired!).

Am I missing anything which would disallow a claim (specifically for Pension Credit and HB/CTB)?

I plan submitting a claim in May to start in September as I am especially desperate to support my wife emotionally (the pain from her disability prevents her being active and causes depression and agrophobia)

alwaysonthego_2

Why don't you get the cab to help you fill out the form. They have lots of experience in this field.

nm8553

The Pension Credit and HB/CTB forms are straightforward enough although CAB could probably advise whether there are any obstacles to my claims succeeding. Might have a problem finding a CAB office in my area though - they seem to have disappeared for lack of funding!

Just wondered whether anyone here could put my mind at rest based on knowledge or experience as "just stopping work" isn't something everyone might consider

alwaysonthego_2

the Cab will do a benefit check for you and let you know what you can claim also try entitledto.com

The cab can help you try and get your claim for dla to medium or high care.

alwaysonthego_2

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm#txt_getadvice_header-Anchor-search

to find your local cab

[Deleted User]

remember that when you ask for DLA to be reviewed there is a danger of losing what you (or your wife)already gets,e.g. she could lose her mobility component,for this reason you need the best advice you can possibly find before asking for any review.

nm8553

I've heard that said a lot but wonder how often it happens?
If you are providing extra information based on a deteriorating condition it is hard to see how a reduction could be justified.

still with my luck.....................................:eek:

lil_me

You must also consider any implications of the fact that over 65s it's attendance allowance they can claim and not DLA, this has two rates for care and no mobility rate.

Welfare rights office shouldn't have disappeared, should be listed on your local council website.