Means tested benefits

[davidk65]

I am trying to find out what financial details are taken into consideration when applying for a grant to install "adaptions" for invalid's in a private dwelling.
The people I have in mind are in their 70's. Own their home but other than their state pensions don't receive any other state benefits. They have some saving and a few investments. I have trawled the net and so far have not found anything readable that gives amounts/numbers.

[craft1948]

why don't you just ring the local social services and ask?

[davidk65]

Thanks for your response.
It would appear that you have never taken your own advice and rung social Services?

But thanks anyway

[ummmm]

oh get you

[buildersmate]

The people responsible for this are Adult Services within the social services department of your county or unitary council. You probably knew this already. The way it seems to work is they try and reserve what limited funding they get from central government for priority cases. Don't know how priority is established. Grants are means-tested so they will try and encourage individuals to use their own resources, pointing out it can be done quicker that way (true).
The charity sector is also active in this area, providing some sources of funding locally. The social services people are likely to know which charities are possible sources in your area.
If I was looking for independent advice on how to maximise my chances, I would get in contact with the charity sector for advice - try starting with Age Concern (who surely most know something about it from an age standpoint) or try one of the national disability charities (say Shaw Trust) - not because you are after a grant, but say you are seeking advice.

[sara3]

good advice (as always) from buildersmate, but I have to say.. how rude are you, davidk65?

social services would have been an obvious call to make. no need for the sarcastic response.

[davidk65]

Sorry if you think I am being sarcastic.
My comments came out of frustration having spent time on the internet, ringing social services and the like, Age Concern constantly engaged and then the "voice" announces they are closed for training.
But Thanks Again.

[luxury]

Hi David,

Have you tried DIAL?

http://www.dialuk.info/

Best Wishes.

L.

[Rosetta]

If you are having difficulty getting through to them by telephone why dont you write to them and ask them to send you any explanatory leaflets and that you want to make a referral for assessment for said adaptations. Its worth stating the obvious that this should be to the LA where the couple live in case you live in another area.

CAB are also a good source of information. Again if you have trouble getting through many offer a drop in or appointment service. Check locally for their arrangements.

Adaptatins applications may take some time as they are often under financed

[Hazel104]

David
This is a local authority grant, and there is no set amount as such because it is means tested. Basically if you have £10,000 in savings and a high income this does not mean you will not get assistance you may do but you would not get the whole amount and may have to contribute towards the works, depending on the outcome of the financial assessment.

All benefits and returns on investments are classed as income. If you have savings over £6000 the first £6000 is disregarded, after that for every £500 and an extra £1 is added to your income.
This should all be worked out for you by your local authority as it is quite complicated. You can apply by contacting your local authority housing or environmental department and they will give you a form to fill in.

Hope this makes sense – good luck.