How can I get help? Severely disabled man confused about benefits.

Posted by EliteCakeMan@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments

I am a severely disabled man who currently lives on his own, I currently claim UC + PIP. Living on my own is very difficult and I spend many hours layed on the floor unconscious. The doctor and my medical specialist know how serious my condition is and they are unsure of what help I can get. A few weeks ago, I collapsed onto my floor and laid their covered in urine and poo, for 19 hours whilst I waited for an ambulance to arrive due to how stretched the services are, then I spent over a week in hospital due to my condition. These things would be easier if I could have someone live with me. I have asked the Jobcentre for help due to the severity of my condition and discussed my partner moving into the flat to help take care of me and to make our lives easier. My partner is unemployed claiming UC living with their parents, they get £300 a month and due to the benefit cap, this amount would be reduced if we had a joint claim. I have a letter from the Jobcentre explaining this. I can't expect my partner to move in and live on less than £300, it's pretty much impossible. I am ot trying to circumvent any rules or break any rules or do anything illegal. Which is why I am here asking for advice on if there is anything else I can do, if there are alternatives to having a joint claim. Or if there are other benefits I can claim which would make this more possible. Are there any other benefits or care that I am entitled to, which could make this easier for me? Would we be able to rent two separate flats next to each other and claim benefits legally seperately still? **I did ask on** r/DWPHELP **but got bullied/threads locked and accused of benefit fraud. When I just want my partner to be able to live as physically close to me as possible, without breaking any rules. I'm not trying to find a way around the rules, I just want to live within them as comfortable as possible.**

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rev9of8@reddit

The benefit cap does not apply if you, your partner or any children who live with you receive PIP. [Here's a link from Shelter](https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/dealing_with_the_benefit_cap#:~:text=The%20cap%20does%20not%20apply%20if%20you%2C%20your%20partner%20or,personal%20independence%20payment%20(PIP)) which contains more information about when the benefit cap does and does not apply. Other people have pointed you on the direction of the various benefit calculators and assistance sites so I won't re-iterate what they've already said. However, based upon what you've said, have you contacted Adult Social Care at your local council to see what support they can provide?

ProfessorYaffle1@reddit

As well as checking out the benefits calcualtors and CiCab, you might want to look at the disability nad benefits forums on the Martin Lewis site - they have a big base of users and there are people there who are very knowledgable about benefits (and about sucessfully claiming the things you are entitled to) IF you and your partner were to move in together they might be able to claim carers allowanc to top up and decrease in UC. Are you able to use aby of your PIP to fund a carer coming in? It may alsobe worth looking into whether there is any form of supported housing that might be suitable for you so you are less reliant on having to call ambulances. You could also reserch homeshare arrangments, depending in the size of your hime (they motly involve older people and pair up people witha spare room who want a bit of company and maybe asssistance with light chores, with people looking for low cost / free accommodation - I don't know if it would work in your situation or how it would impct benefits, but if you have a spare rom it could be worth considering. I hope yu are able to find ways to improve things

zebra1923@reddit

Try Citizens Advice . My Dad volunteers there and they are brilliant at providing free support for just this sort of thing.

TrueSolid611@reddit

You should be entitled to Limited capability for work related activity. Which would give you the highest amount of UC. If your landlord allows it or you’re in council accommodation then they should cover the rent too. Do you claim sickness with UC?

EliteCakeMan@reddit (OP)

Yes I have limited capability to work and sickness with UC + PIP currently, I am signed off perm disabled ill with life long condition that only gets worse. And thanks for the advice.

Sorry to hear man. I saw the response on the DWPhelp thread and I don’t know why they were being like that. Best of luck to you

ddmf@reddit

If they're willing to be "on call" for 36 hours a week then they could become your carer and claim carer's allowance as well as the benefits I'm sure - but you're best to check with citizens advice.

Demiboy94@reddit

Definitely contact citizens advice.

grogipher@reddit

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/ Is a good place to start, you can run a few different scenarios. Your local council or CAB might have a benefit advisory service.

Prestigious-One-8532@reddit

Give CAB a call, and try contacting the real DWP and explain your situation. You shouldn't have to be living like that.

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