I think it's time to start thinking about claiming benefits for DH - how & what?

[Katymac]

He has been medially retired since Sept 93 but this last year or so DH has got progressively worse.

He has Bronchiectasis but not typically
He has Chronic Asthma (which is what he was originally retired for) but doesn't really have asthma attacks
He may have mycobacterium but his symptoms aren't typical

In 93 we started to get a 'permanent health Insurance' payment which is reduced by whatever income we have - so we never claimed incapacity benefit or anything else

Now he can't do the shopping or take DD to school(very recent), he doesn't garden or DIY (& hasn't for sometime)

He does a small amount of exercise because he must keep the mucus in his lungs moving

But he is really struggling

Can we claim anything at all?

Anyone?

I am ringing DIAL tomorrow to start things off but I think I need some MN info

I know nothing whatsoever, but to me it sounds like you should be entitled to both incapacity and carers allowance.

Thanks Grumpystalker - is incapacity contributions based?

I don't think we would be eligible for carers allowance because I work

It seems odd to be talking about aiming stuff as it will all go to the insurance company but I think we should get 'on the wagon' now so to speak as things are likely to get worse

Katymac - I've just seen this, sorry didn't reply sooner.

If your DH hasn't made any NI contributions for a number of years then he will no longer be eligible for Incapacity benefit.

Your route would be to claim Disabled Living Allowance I think, which comes in two 'flavours', a mobility component, and a care component. Both may be awarded at lower, middle, or higher level, and individuals may get each component, at different levels.

If he can no longer get out and about on foot, then he may be able to claim the mobility component.

The care component basically relies on him being unable to care for his own needs, needing help with washing/dressing/feeding himself etc.

Look [[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/index.htm here] for more information, including application forms.

Your local council may have a "benefits rights advisor". Ours did, and he helped me complete the forms when I applied for the care component (been receiving the mobility component for many years).

Do be aware tho that it seems that the bar is being raised as far as qualifying for these benefits is concerned.

here's that link, with the correct number of braces this time.

as well as DLA (can also try your local carer's centre for support to complete, and do keep a copy, also if refused do appeal, as a fair proportion do get in on appeal,try local law centre for support with that)
ask for assessment under Community care act from Soc services, my DH (also with permanent health insurance) just got 4 hrs direct payments to help with support for him to parent DS (who has own disabilities).

If you only work a low amount of hours and earn less than £95 a week, (net) then could try for carers allowance, (goes up to £100 a week in april)

hope that helps, also ask for carer's assessment from soc services as well...

hope that helps
good luk

Hi Katymac, I think you are completely right to be thinking of this. You need to read the info very carefully from your insurance company, to establish whether any income is taken, or whether certain benefits are excluded.

With regards to benefits, you need to be aware that childminding is often excluded from 'employment' tests.

I'm just going to look some stuff up for you, to make sure I'm right, then will post with links

DMG 23750 - Your earnings as a CM are only 1/3 of gross receipts minus tax, NI, etc

20466 - Childminders who work in their own home are classed as not being in renumerative work, regardless of hours/earnings

I think, to be honest, that for any of the employment/income type benefits, such as Income support, Job seekers' allowance with DH as your dependent, or ESA, you need specialist advice. I'd certainly recommend phoning the Jobcentre, and asking for advice.

I think that ESA would be out because I presume your DH hasn't made NI contributions in the last 3 years?

JSA as a joint claim might be an option, but I'm not sure how your childminding impacts that. I know it isn't classed as renumerative work if you are CMing in your own home, but you have premises?

Income support might be an option, depending on whether your CMing is classed as renumerative or not.

If you get middle or higher rate DLA (care) for DH, and earn less than £95 per week, then you would qualify for carer's allowance (£53 per week).

That would qualify you for IS, also.

Wow bumped out of nowhere

Thanks everyone but DH is having a good patch atm.....so no benefits needed

Sorry for all your work - but thanks

I believe that "Severe Disablement Allowance" may be available.