Hi, my name is PUNK66! Will my daughter moving out affect my benefits?

PUNK66
PUNK66 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited September 29 in Benefits and income

Hi everyone. This is my first time on here. I am in the process of moving from a 2 storey house to a 2 bedroom bungalow. I am a private tenant and am on the enhanced rate of both parts of PIP. I get Universal credit too and have a private pension. My daughter is my carer and lives with me but works full-time. She has decided to move out. What should I do and will this affect my benefits?

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,121 Championing
    edited September 29

    You should contact Council Tax to have your bill recalculated.

    Unless in future you receive regular and frequent overnight care from a non resident carer, you will be entitled to less UC Housing Element as your bedroom entitlement will reduce.

    Try a benefits calculator to estimate your benefits under new circumstances.

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

    https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

  • PUNK66
    PUNK66 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    Thank you. I am a private tenant and my daughter is not on the rent book. She gets free car tax as she takes me to my appointments etc. Will she still be able to claim this if she moves out of my property? I am moving shortly. My daughter will not be living with me but will still be my carer. What should I say to UC and PIP about my change of circumstances and will I lose out on my benefits?

    I live in Northern Ireland

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,121 Championing
    edited September 29

    As a private tenant you have your rent paid via UC Housing Element, the amount of which is linked to your Local Housing Allowance rates.

    Even though she isn't on the rent book your bedroom allowance is likely to reduce, with a corresponding reduction in Housing Element.

    Unless as advised you will be receiving regular and frequent overnight care from a non resident carer, your bedroom allowance will reduce from two (with your daughter living with you) to one (living alone). In those circumstances, any shortfall in rent would have to be paid for yourself.

    When she moves out you need to let UC know, so they can recalculate your Housing Element.

    You would log onto your Journal, report a change, people living with you.

    Your PIP award is unaffected by anyone living with you, so they don't need to be told.

    Your daughter should still be able to receive free car tax, as long as all car use continues to be solely for your benefit, and no personal use of the car for her needs.

    Do you have a Motability car?

  • PUNK66
    PUNK66 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    Thanks again for your help. I do not have a motability car as I am not capable to drive. As for my daughter, she is a full time nurse and needs her car for work etc, although she takes me out regularly and to appointment s.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,121 Championing

    Disabled car tax should only be claimed when all journeys are for the benefit of the disabled person, I'm afraid your daughter isn't permitted to use the exemption on a car she uses for personal reasons, so that needs to be cancelled.

    See Vehicle Tax Exemption

    https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport

  • PUNK66
    PUNK66 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    Thank you for clearing this up. I will let her know.

    You have been more than helpful to me.

    Much appreciated

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