Income Support ,Housing and Council Tax Benefits

[SMP]

Don't know if this is the right place for this question but didn't know where else to put it

We receive income support because my husband is severely disabled. I do not work as i am his carer. We also get full Housing and Council Tax benefit.
My mother has been diagnosed with incurable kidney cancer. If she were to move in with us how would our benefits be affected? She has her state pension and a private pension.
Have tried ringing income support but their computers are not working properly this morning.
Would be grateful for any advice
Thanks

[wendilla]

I presume you are in council property therefor you will have to inform the council of any changes such as your mother moving in and it will definately affect what you claim for as her income will be taking into consideration.

[tboo]

How old are you and your husband SMP ?
Does your husband get DLA care?
Does your mum rec any pension credits?
All these answers will help me tell you correctly if there will be an affect on your hb/ctb

[fiesata]

If your mother moves in it may affect any disability premiums you get with your Income support

How old is your mother - if she is terminally ill (life expectancy of 6 months or less)she will be entitled to Attendance Allowance (over 65) or Disabled Living Allowance(under 65) at the higher care rate straight away.

It really depends on your mothers income and if she is receiving Pension credit - assuming she is over 60

[tboo]

This is for hb/ctb only
If you or your husband is over 65 then your mother will be disregarded for a max of 6 mths , then her income will be taken into account to give you a non dependant deduction which is taken off your entitlement
If you or your husband receives the care comp of DLA then you will not get a non dep deduction if she moves in.
Likewise if your mum gets pension credits then you will not get a non dep deduction
If she moves in then you have to inform the council. NO IFS OR BUTS
Please ring the DWP for information regarding your income support

[SMP]

Managed to get hold of someone at Housing/Council Tax benefit and because my husband receives Dla at highest rate they will class my mum as non dependent but it will not affect our entitlement.
With income support we would lose any severe disability premium(which we don't get) but not the normal premium so we will be unaffected.

[wendilla]

I think you will find as classed as a non dependant the non dependant wil have to pay towards council tax and rent.You will not get off with full benifit if there is another person living there and has an income.

[tboo]

Any non dependant that moves into a property has to be listed on the hb/ctb claim and income proof has to be submitted BUT as your husband is in receipt of dla care you will not get any non dep deductions while you receive the dla, please therefore ensure the council has an up to date entitlement letter showing dla is received.

[SMP]

Tboo, although our benefit entitlement will not be affected will my mum have to pay any rent or council tax? I get the impression she won't but was in a bit of a tizz when I phoned on Friday. Just want to get it right so I can concentrate on looking after mum.

[tboo]

Hi SMP
As your mum is not liable for the rent or council tax she wont have to pay, ie you are the tenant and you get the ctax bill each yr.
Also enquire with the DWP regarding claiming AA or DLA for your mum,as fiesata has mentioned, and this will be a little bit of extra income for your mum, these are not taken into account for any benefits anyone claims but needs to be mentioned if your mum claims pension credits etc

[SMP]

Thanks tboo. Have looked at AA (mum is 68) but she has not required help for 6 months yet.. Have been told cancer is terminal but with treatment mum may have1 or 2 years. If treatment doesn't work then it will be months. We are at the hospital tomorrow so will try and get more info and then I can phone benefit enquiry line. Mum only started having symptoms in August so this is a big shock.
Thanks again for your help

[tboo]

Hi SMP
Hope all goes well with your Mum
Just a little more info for your mum to access or even you and your husband. Try D.I.A.L a charity that helps people with disabilities, they give advice on all welfare benefits and are extremely helpful in getting AA (as it can be a lengthy form to complete on your own)
http://www.dialuk.info/
Also the Citizens Advice Bureau, they can also give you extensive information if you want it.
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Both are free and they have advisors that can home visit.
Cheers