Dads pension please help

[Trebuchet]

Ok Dad is mentally ill, very sick and has spent time in psych units tried suicide several times. Dr's agreed he'll never be able to work again, he's 55, so he's been given his pension from being a binman early.

They've given him 26k and 300 a month. The 300 a month means he won't get sickness pay, wich is actually good, he hated being on the sick and always felt (unreasonably) that when any headline talked about benefit scroungers they were personally referring to him

I think my mum will still get carers allowance for him, but now they will pay full rent, council tax and prescriptions.

Unfortunately he owed money to local moneylenders, and as soon as his money came in this week he paid them off. It was 12 thousand in total, he only borrowed 2 but it's been going on for some time, although I knew nothing about it til now

so he's left with 14k, but he's been told he'll have to give receipts to explain where his moneys gone. I'm really worried. He can't give receipts there are none and he can't name names, he'd be in real danger if he did that.

What's best to do?

Also what happens when their money runs out?

How little do they need to have before they get and help?

Thanks in advance, would be grateful for any advice xxxxx

bumping

Can you go to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Sorry to hear about all the problems he's had.

is he eligible for disability living allowance?

went to citizens advice and they looked aghast when he said what he owed. He is now terrified that they'll think he's done something with the money like blown it on drugs or gambling, or god knows what.

They're back to talk on the 12th but wanted to try and get an idea of what they can expect.

thanks x

Yes he gets dla and incapacity, but the incapacity will stop.

Thanks for replying by the way x

who has said he needs receipts? you are free to spend retirement money however you like. What is checked is that people are not 'hiding' money in order to claim benefits which they are not entitled to - so I assume that's the issue here. by paying off his debts he brings himself below the savings threshold.

Just tell him to be honest with the CAB people as they are best placed to give him advice.

Thanks Catsrus, he was under the impression that the CAB lady said he'd need reciepts to prove it.

Do you know how much savings you're allowed?

He seems to think he has to live on whats left til its gone and only then could he re apply for help.

Thank you xx

Bumping

I'm not sure the Employment section is the best place to find people who know about benefits rules - you might want to try Money Matters possibly?

But I would imagine receipts would be needed if he is intending to claim benefits - if he's had a big lump sum and then tries to claim money from the state, it will be reasonable for them to know where it's gone before giving him more.

As to how little savings one has to have before claiming benefits, and what kind of disposal of savings is considered acceptable, I have no idea. But I would imagine the CAB lady should have access to that kind of information, and being honest with her is probably the best bet.

Can I suggest you contact Age UK - used to be age concern. They are very knowledgeable and will be able to advise best. They have a helpline and will make personal appointments in order to help.

agree the CAB should be able to help - they have to maintain complete confidentiality.