I am hoping that somebody might be able to give me some advice

beezley

Hi, I am hoping that somebody might be able to give me some advice.

My mum is 77 years old and has been looking after my 56 year old, older brother for 22 years after a car accident that has left him paralysed on the left side, brain damaged and needs 24/7 care.

How my mum has done this I don't know, I am just in awe and completely humbled by it.

He gets high rate disability and my mum gets her pension and pension credit (she may possibly get a top up she said not sure). My mum does not want him going into a care home so I have said that I will come to live with them and help, possibly become his main carer if that works out to be financially better.

My mum owns the house outright has limited savings as does my brother and myself. I am 52 years old in relatively good health apart from a recurring back injury after working in Landscaping most of my adult life.

We are worried that me moving in will create extra expense with council tax, loss of benefits or other unforseen expenses, I am just trying to help as this is getting to much for mum now.

Any advice, I would be most grateful.

thankyou x

woodbine

might help;

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

calcotti

You need to look at her Pension Credit award to see how it is made up. 

Does she receive a disability benefit herself?

You should see if she gets a carer premium. She could get this in her PC if she claims Carers Allowance. She will not be paid it but will establish an ‘underlying entitlement’.

If your brother has been disregarded from the Council Tax because he has Severe Mental Impairment she will be getting a single person discount which she will lose if you move in. However she is presumably getting Council Tax Reduction and that will be adjusted to reflect the CT due, but in calculating CTR you will be assumed to contribute towards the CT bill.

Will you be giving up the property you currently live in?

beezley

Thank you so much replying,

Does she receive a disability benefit herself?

No she does not.

Regarding the carer premium, I think she mentioned she gets a bit extra as she does care for my brother although she is on a pension with pension credit. My mum's council tax bill at the moment is zero with all council tax reductions.

Will you be giving up the property you currently live in?

Yes I currently rent a flat and will be giving it up.

Thanks again for replying x

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @beezley

I just wanted to check in and see if everything is going ok? Did you move in?

Breacon

How fantastic, that you are prepared to assist your Mum, with your brothers care needs.
Lovely to hear, Good luck, I'm sure your Mum will appreciate the help & support.