Best option for new house with carer

swanmark

Hi Guys, I will give you some background before I get to my question, my wife and I had 2best friend that we did everything with, unfortunately I lost my wife to cancer a few years ago, and unbelievably within a few weeks our best friends husband passed away. we were very close and after a few years his wife became my carer as I became disabled, and eventually she moved in with me as it was easier. We are not involved as a couple or ever will be, just good friends. The problem is my property has now become to big for us to live in, so we are downsizing, When I sell my property I will be in a position to buy a new property, and as my carer as sold her property she will also be in the same position. So my question is this, what would be the best option for me not to lose my benefits. Should I buy the property and employ my friend as a carer, or should my friend/carer buy the property and charge me rent to stay with her. I am hoping someone has some advice. Thanks 

Ami2301

Hi @swanmark! Personally, I am unsure but I'm sure many of our community members will be along soon to offer their advice. I just wanted to let you know your post hasn't gone ignored and hopefully more members will be along soon!

poppy123456

Hi,

I'm afraid it's not that simple. When you sell your property if there's any profit made and you decide not to buy another then if you have any savings of more than £16,000 you won't be entitled to any means tested benefits. If you claim PIP/DLA or attendance allowance then these are not means tested and won't be affected.

The same as your friend, if they end up with savings of more than £16,000 all means tested benefits will stop. If your friend already claims means tested benefits and has sold their house, if there's any savings they will need to report those changes.

swanmark

My friend doesn’t claim anything apart from state pension

pollyanna1052

Quite a tricky one this.

It is good that you have a close friend to care for you
But, now this might hurt a tad...but what if you two fell out over a disagreement of some kind?

I know, I know...you can`t ever see that happening...but you never know.


so when buying a new property....you need to be clear on who owns what..to safeguard the future for either of you.

Sorry, I know this wasnt your question...but it is something to think about. I apologise if I have offended you at all.

Anyway, back to your question re benefits...Poppy`s answer is right and says it all.
Lots of thinking to do....
Best wishes xxxx

poppy123456

swanmark said:

My friend doesn’t claim anything apart from state pension

What about pension credit?

Do you claim any benefits yourself? if so which ones do you claim?

swanmark

I get esa support section severe disability, extra money because of support group and disability income guarantee 

poppy123456

Severe disability premium and the disability income guarantee are all income related and means tested so any savings will affect this.

Severe disability premium is only paid if you live alone or classed as living alone. Does the person living with you claim a qualifying benefit such as PIP daily living, DLA mid/high rate care or Attendance allowance?

If not when she moved in with you did you report those changes to DWP?

SDP information in the link. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-premium