Benefits for older persons needing help

[Vinniecat]

Does anyone know how my parents go about claiming benefits for help around the house? They have never claimed anything before but as they are in their 80’s and are finding it increasingly difficult due to mobility issues. I wondered if they would be eligible for a carer to help with housework. My mum worked until she was 76 and my dad was 74 when he retired. It’s such a shame to see them struggle.

[marlouwrig]

When we needed it for my Mum we contacted social services and they came and assessed her needs.

They did arrange it all but due to her financial circumstances she had to pay for it herself. Had she qualified for benefits they would have sorted that also. For me involving social services was more about getting her to admit she actually needed the help as she wouldn't listen to me😥

[Vinniecat]

Originally Posted by marlouwrig

When we needed it for my Mum we contacted social services and they came and assessed her needs.

They did arrange it all but due to her financial circumstances she had to pay for it herself. For me involving social services was more about getting her to admit she actually needed the help as she wouldn't listen to me😥

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Thank you, it is possible that they will have to pay for it but like you say it will be a start of them accepting help.

[Bootrip2]

You may find you have a carers hub near to you who can advise on benefits etc they may be entitled to and you point you in right direction. Is there someone attached to GP practice who might be able to help. Look online at Attendance Allowance to and look to see if they may qualify. X

[Vinniecat]

Originally Posted by Bootrip2

You may find you have a carers hub near to you who can advise on benefits etc they may be entitled to and you point you in right direction. Is there someone attached to GP practice who might be able to help. Look online at Attendance Allowance to and look to see if they may qualify. X

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Thank you.

[Mariesmith]

There are benefit calculators online that might give you an idea of anything they could claim.

Depending on their income they might qualify for pension credit. I saw Martin Lewis talking the other day about millions of pensioners not applying and missing out.

Attendance allowance was another benefit he talked about people missing out on.

[Vinniecat]

Originally Posted by Mariesmith

There are benefit calculators online that might give you an idea of anything they could claim.

Depending on their income they might qualify for pension credit. I saw Martin Lewis talking the other day about millions of pensioners not applying and missing out.

Attendance allowance was another benefit he talked about people missing out on.

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That’s good to know, thank you.

[Posiesmum]

Attendance allowance is not means tested. My elderly mother had it for a while before she died in 2020. It has to be applied for by the person needing attendance. The form is a bit of a monster, but we had Power of Attorney and so were able to help her. My husband became her carer (shopping, preparing meals, washing clothes, keeping the house clean etc), and she gave the money to him each week.
gov.uk/attendance-allowance/what-youll-get

[nanu]

Were either of your parents in the forces? My mum has just been awarded attendance allowance plus some other equipment/aids to help her by contacting the Royal British Legion. My dad has been deceased for a number of years but he did his national service so they were able to help my mum. They arranged for someone to help with the form filling and found funding for her equipment.

[LLamb]

Definitely apply for attendance allowance. My sister has just applied for our mum.