Benefits ... where do they come from?

[AstronomyDomine]

I hope somebody out there can help with a difference of understanding between DP and I.
DP's father lives down south, is in worsening health, and will be moving up here next week. He has minimal benefits (long term disability and some others which I can't recall) and no housing or council tax benefits ... he believes he's not entitled to them (don't get me started on that one - probably for another thread!!).
My understanding is that his current benefits will be from his local DSS and when he moves up here, his benefits will need to transfer to our DSS... whether that's a straight transfer to our DSS or via a fresh claim remains to be seen.
DP thinks that benefits don't come from local DSS, rather a central (i.e. London) concern and so there's nothing he needs to do!!
I really want to put but then if I'm wrong I'll look a dick!!
Any way, whatever is the case, DP has known for almost a month that the lady who we THOUGHT was sorting out his father's finances/benefits had only been working on his debts (he has a few!!) ... so now, with less than a week til his father moves up here, DP seems a little shocked that I've just lost it a bit with him because he's sat back and done nothing.
When we first looked into moving DP's father up here (he really can't look after himself and has nobody down there ... he doesn't speak to his daughters!) I asked if I can help in any way but only DP can speak for his dad and take a "power of attorney" type role.
This should have been sorted already - new claims take time to process and get approved etc as we all know, and we really can't afford to pay his rent/bills/food for him.
Any advice gratefully received.

Your Father-in-law needs to fill in a change of circumstances form (or your DP can fill it in for for him if he has Power of Attorney), giving his new address and any changes to his living arrangements. I would do this as soon as possible. You MUST claim for housing benefit and council tax benefit at the new address too. If this is a council tenancy, then don't worry too much re. the rent. I would also suggest that you try and get a backdated claim for his current address for council tax and housing benefit. You will probably only get 3 months-worth unless a previous enquiry has been mishandled by your FIL's local benefits team.

The people I see in my charity work in your FILs position who are in social housing or housing association typically get state pension, disability living allowance,attendanceallowance, and housing benefit and pay no council tax.

Start by looking at the Entitled2 site, then look at the CAB Benefits site then look at the Help the Aged to check benefits and most especially Attendance Alowance. There is also a Carers Allowance paid to some people for looking after someone who is disabled.

When you have done that and gathered together as much info about all the benefits you can find then go to your local council offices, local benefits office and the CAB to talk to their advisers and ask what forms you need to fill in.

In my experience, the benefits system is a maze and people do not claim what they are entitled to and there is no magic fairy to help you. Indeed, those who shout loudest get the most. I suggest you also get FIL registered at a local GP and go and ask what benefits and healthcare entitlements they know about and can help with.

Another thing is, can your FIL get into the local authority sheltered housing. It is much easier to live somewhat independently in one of those rather than a flat. The basic support services provided by the wardens in those are quite good and the residents have no worries about heating bills or maintaining things like washing machines which are all communal.

age concern can send someone out to him to work it all out. they sorted my gran out. didn't know she could het attendance allowance until they did a benefit review with her.

thanks to you all for your feedback ... ABD I'll take a look at those links and see what DP's father can get ... fingers crossed.
So sorry for not replying on here until today but we've been busy moving him up (there are still quite a few boxes to unpack and DP's dad is most put that we haven't unpacked the TV remotes yet ).
Thanks again.

Ooh - I meant to add... DP's dad has moved into Sheltered Accommodation so the care aspect is not wholly on our shoulders ... there's a 24/7 pull-cord link to help of any kind that he needs; he even has a necklace which has a button in case he falls and cannot reach the pull-cords (that are, incidentally, all over the flat). So that's great ... we're more concerned that he isn't getting the financial assistance that he's entitled to.
We're not aware of any communal washing machines but I was very impressed that all utilities were in full working condition when we moved him in yesterday... and bu99er is that flat warm!!
The only thing that they wouldn't do is connect his cooker so we're sorting that today.

When you say moved "up" do you mean from England to Scotland? Because there are different rules about nursing / personal care here.

Hope it works out for you all.

Up from Southampton to the North West (England).
Thanks - me too!