Has anybody else been in this situation and can offer advice? Mum was diagnosed 3 years ago. I'm her sole carer and struggling to afford the cost of petrol for a 100 mile round trip, every other day. I applied for Carer's Allowance but it was rejected because mum gets the 'wrong' kind of Disability Living Allowance. For many years she has received the 'mobility' allowance, as she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia many years ago but not the 'care' allowance. I only discovered this yesterday - I always thought she'd been on the full allowance.
I spoke to somebody on the allowance team who told me to get form DLA 434 to claim for the 'care' allowance and then if that's awarded I'd be able to then reapply for Carer's allowance.
I'm happy to do this but worried about a couple of things. Is the DLA means tested? She has some savings (under £20,000)
Also what if they look at her case and decide she's not eligible for anything anymore and my interference means she loses it all together?- Her decline with Alzheimers recently has been awful and she's pretty much without capacity now, but when SS came, she was in glorious 'hostess' mode and the SW went away thinking mum is fine! What if the same happens with the DLA?
I've read about Attendance Allowance as well. If we applied for that, would she lose her mobility DLA? Can you get Attendance Allowance and DLA? I'm worried I'll do the wrong thing and we'll both be left worse off than before. I really need to get the Carer's allowance...I gave up my job to look after her and I'm struggling financially. I visit her every other day...how I will afford travelling every day as she deteriorates, I just don't know....
Any advice most welcome!
I spoke to somebody on the allowance team who told me to get form DLA 434 to claim for the 'care' allowance and then if that's awarded I'd be able to then reapply for Carer's allowance.
I'm happy to do this but worried about a couple of things. Is the DLA means tested? She has some savings (under £20,000)
Also what if they look at her case and decide she's not eligible for anything anymore and my interference means she loses it all together?- Her decline with Alzheimers recently has been awful and she's pretty much without capacity now, but when SS came, she was in glorious 'hostess' mode and the SW went away thinking mum is fine! What if the same happens with the DLA?
I've read about Attendance Allowance as well. If we applied for that, would she lose her mobility DLA? Can you get Attendance Allowance and DLA? I'm worried I'll do the wrong thing and we'll both be left worse off than before. I really need to get the Carer's allowance...I gave up my job to look after her and I'm struggling financially. I visit her every other day...how I will afford travelling every day as she deteriorates, I just don't know....
Any advice most welcome!