Advice for parent re Universal Credit application for Aspergers son

hjcespana

Hi - my son has Aspergers, Klinefelters Syndrome and other conditions all of which result in him not leaving the house ( for around 3 years ) . He receives PIP which has just been increased after re-assessment, and is seen (virtually at the moment ) by a worker from the local authority adult social care team.
We have been advised by her that he could be eligible for some ESA or UCredit which would enable him to contribute to household bills/food etc (he lives with us at home). My Q is - if I am appointed to deal with his PIP (which I am) can I apply for other benefits on his behalf or do I need to start that process again. He has never worked, or attended college due to anxiety, and we are desperate to help him become a little more independent - even if it is just be be3ing responsible for paying towards the housekeeping. His PIP is currently used to pay for an assistant who tries to take him out once a week but usually ends up chatting to him for a couple of hours as he won't leave the house.  Sorry for the ramble ! My Q is in bold !! Many thanks, Helen

Lou_Scope

It’s worth knowing that a claim to UC for your son could affect some of your benefits.

There is some useful information here that explains how it works https://contact.org.uk/media/1425294/universal_credit_young_people.pdf

It could be worth calling the Scope Helpline to discuss with the advisors. 

hjcespana

Thanks Lou - it is such a nightmare maze isn't it ! I will check the link out and give them a call.

Lou_Scope

It certainly is! I found this article too which looks to be exactly what you are trying to achieve for your son https://www.autismspeaks.org/life-skills-and-autism

Hope you are able to find a solution with your sons anxiety. I can’t imagine lockdown is helping things at all. 

calcotti

If he has not worked he will not be eligible for ESA because that is based on NI contributions.

Although you are his appointee for PIP you will need to make a separate arrangement with UC. 

You may be able to complete the online application as if you are him and then post a note in the UC journal explaining that this is what you have done with a request to be his appointee. You could try ringing the helpline to check with them 0800 328 5644.