my husband has just had a financial assessment, it is good for many people that they don’t take the spouses income into account but for me I’m only a part time worker so both my husbands pensions and my wage are needed to run the house. I’ve just had the verdict today that says he must pay £131 pounds a week. They have put our current account down as savings but it’s only a current account and it was all based on the amount being in there but it was the beginning of the month so there was more than usual. I can’t breath at the thought of paying all this. If he gets awarded the highest attendance allowance I still have to find £70 a week, £50 for the contribution and £20 for the cleaner they advised I get! Of course I get the letter on a Saturday and I can’t ring anyone. It says this will come into effect as soon as the services are used. He’s just about to go into respite care so it will lock me into this payment. Should I refuse the respite? I have no one to talk to and I’m having to act like nothings wrong in front of my husband. Please is there any financial or practical advice out there?
I need advice
- Thread starter Philpsie
- Start date
I would phone the experts on the help line, details as follows, as I understand they are very good
National Dementia Helpline
0300 222 11 22
Our helpline advisers are here for you.
Helpline opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday 9am – 8pm
Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm
hi @Philpsie
I am sure that I've seen somewhere in the guidance to LAs that they must ensure that the spouse/household are not left unable to pay for everyday necessities (sorry can't find it at the mo)
have you looked into applying for Attendance Allowance - it is not means tested, anyone who qualifies on need will receive it
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim
when that is in place contact your Council to apply for a disregard of Council Tax re your husband so that he pays nothing and if you are the only 2 in the property, you will then be assessed as a single occupier
there's also Carer's Allowance but only if you earn below £115 a week (I think that's the figure) - but worth looking into
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
maybe have a chat with CAB as they may well be able to advise you
I wonder if it would be worth having separate current accounts for your income to be paid into and then each of you move a sum each month that is half of all bills ie utilities, house insurance, house maintenance, food, items for the house eg cleaning products (though your husband should pay more if he is now requiring more eg washing of bedding) - needn't be exact just a sensible amount to cover the regular monthly expenses, leaving each of you to pay for your own particular expenses
certainly question the basis of the assessment - the amount in a current account is not savings, and only half of any joint savings should be part of the financial assessment - you could send a letter and e-mail stating that you are only accepting having to pay for the respite on the understanding that the financial assessment isn't accurate
I am sure that I've seen somewhere in the guidance to LAs that they must ensure that the spouse/household are not left unable to pay for everyday necessities (sorry can't find it at the mo)
have you looked into applying for Attendance Allowance - it is not means tested, anyone who qualifies on need will receive it
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim
when that is in place contact your Council to apply for a disregard of Council Tax re your husband so that he pays nothing and if you are the only 2 in the property, you will then be assessed as a single occupier
there's also Carer's Allowance but only if you earn below £115 a week (I think that's the figure) - but worth looking into
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
maybe have a chat with CAB as they may well be able to advise you
I wonder if it would be worth having separate current accounts for your income to be paid into and then each of you move a sum each month that is half of all bills ie utilities, house insurance, house maintenance, food, items for the house eg cleaning products (though your husband should pay more if he is now requiring more eg washing of bedding) - needn't be exact just a sensible amount to cover the regular monthly expenses, leaving each of you to pay for your own particular expenses
certainly question the basis of the assessment - the amount in a current account is not savings, and only half of any joint savings should be part of the financial assessment - you could send a letter and e-mail stating that you are only accepting having to pay for the respite on the understanding that the financial assessment isn't accurate
