I am at the present time claiming c/a for my wife who is reciept of the higher rate of dla care but due to my own health failing we are considering using a relative to provide my wife's care for 40 hours weekly and for her to claim the c/a but we need to know what effect this may have on our own benefits
We are both 73 years of age and in reciept of pension and pension credit and c/a I recieve the lower rate of dla care so we do not recieve the severe disability payment but we recieve a guarantee and savings credit and housing benefit and we are not sure any of these benefits would be lost due to me giving up claiming the carers allowance
We can't give detailed financial advice on the forum, if you need this then you should get face to face advice, do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county.
If you close your Cares Allowance claim then you will lose the Carers Addition from your Pension Credit.
If this then results in the amount of Pension Credit being less than your income (e.g. pensions, etc.) then your PC will also stop, this may also affect Housing Benefit. If your PC remains in payment then I would expect your HB to do so as well. In either case you need to inform your Local Authority of the Change.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
