Relative with MS

Andy1234

I am really after some advice for my mother as her husband has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He has been struggling for 18 months or so and is in his 70's as is my mother. They are both finding it increasingly harder to deal with day to day tasks and aren't getting any support. What is the best thing to do? Are they entitled to any benefits, even though they have private pensions? I really want to help them but not sure what to advise?

poppy123456

Hi,

Do either of them claim DLA? If not then Attendance Allowance isn't means tested but whether they will qualify will depend on the help they need. This link will give you more information.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/

The only other benefit will be pension credit but this will depend on their circumstances and as they are claiming a private pension then they may not be entitled to pension credit. I would advise both of them to visit an advice agency near them for a full benefits check. This will they will be able to give them all the correct information based on their circumstances, which is very difficult to do on an internet forum.

If they are unable to visit an advice agency then i'd advise them to ring ageuk. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

April2018mom

Hello @Andy1234

Have they had a needs assessment or not? The MS society is a good source of information on MS including benefits advice. Take a look at their website or phone them tomorrow https://www.mssociety.org.uk/. 

Chloe_Scope

Hi @Andy1234, I hope the advice from others have been helpful. How are you getting on?