ask a benefit adviser

Hi Angelrose

Your DLA can be increased to the middle or the highest rate of the care component even if you are now over 65. But if you do not already get the mobility component of DLA and are now over 65 then this is not available to you.

I assume you mean you have a small state retirement pension? You may also qualify for pension credit which can be paid on top of your retirement pension or even on its own. Whether you qualify and for how much will depend on the level of other income that you have. If your DLA is increased it could mean you get quite a lot more in pension credit.

There are other benefits that will be worth exploring. Particularly housing benefit and council tax reduction. Again amounts depend on a number of factors including the level of income you have from other sources.

For more information i suggest you have a look at the Scope pages here and make claims as soon as possible.

David

Hi Angelrose

I suggest a call to Macmillan on 0808 808 00 00 would be a good place to start. They specialise in advising people who have been diagnosed with cancer and also employ benefits advisers in some areas who will be able to help you. Age UK on 0800 169 2081 would also be able to tell you what help is available locally to assist you with this, Both of these organisations may also be able to carry out a full benefit check to make sure you are getting the right benefits.

Another option would be to contact your local council because some still fund benefits advice services who may be able to visit you at home, carry out a full benefit check and assist you to make claims to the relevant benefits.

Finally, if you live in social housing and your landlord is a housing association then it would be worth contacting them and asking if they have a benefits adviser who can carry out a benefit check and support you in making claims to other benefits.

Hope that helps and if none of these suggestions work out then please post back on here.

Best wishes

Paul