Why can't I get housing benefit if I am a student?The Benefit Regulations say that only certain students are entitled to Housing Benefit. This is because there is an allowance for rent built into the standard student loan.
Who is entitled to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment?You can apply for a discretionary housing payment if you are resident in the council area and are receiving some (but not full) Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
Who is eligible to claim Carers Allowance?To be eligible for Carers Allowance, you must: be aged 16 or over and satisfy UK residence and presence tests, you must spend at least 35 hours caring for someone who is in receipt of Attendance Allowance or the middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance, you must not earn more than £100 per week (2010/11), and you must not be in full-time education.
Where can I find out information on benefits?Contact Welfare Rights for a full assessment of any benefits and pensions you may be entitled to. They will help you make a claim, and help you appeal if your claim is unsuccessful.
What type of care needs are considered when assessing a claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance?Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance forms look at a variety of things including getting in and out of bed, washing and bathing, and dressing and undressing. Shopping, housework, cleaning, gardening and similar tasks cannot be taken into consideration as personal care tasks.
What sort of help can the Welfare Rights Service give me?The welfare rights service can carry out a benefit check to ensure that you are receiving your correct benefit entitlement. They can also assist you in dealing with social security and can represent you at social security appeal tribunals. The service can give you advice about your housing benefit claim or your council tax bill. They can also advise you if you are in dispute with your employer.
What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?Discretionary housing payments help those who are in receipt of some (but not full) housing and/or council tax benefits to meet their housing costs. Each case is assessed on its own merit - you are not automatically entitled to a discretionary housing payment, and you will not be entitled to a discretionary housing payment if you are already in receipt of full housing and/or council tax benefit, even if the full housing benefit does not cover your full rent.
What happens to my Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance if I go into hospital or residential care?Both Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance continue to be paid for the first 28 days in hospital or residential care. The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance continues to be paid after 28 days in residential care, but the other components will stop.
What are the advantages of claiming Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?If you receive any rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you will be entitled to a disability premium as part of your Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax rebate. If you get the higher or middle care component of DLA or either rate of Attendance Allowance you may also qualify for a Severe Disability Premium in your Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council tax rebate. A carer may be able to claim Carers Allowance for looking after you, but you should get advice before letting them make a claim as it could affect your entitlement to a Severe Disability Premium.
If I am over 65, can I get any money for my mobility?The mobility component is part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and as such must be claimed prior to your 65th birthday.
I have a child who is disabled, can I claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for them?Yes, as the child's parent or legal guardian you can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child if they need help with personal care or getting around which is substantially more than an average child of the same age. You can claim for help with personal care from when your child is three months old. You have to wait till the child is three years old before you can claim for help with getting around.
How does my War Pension affect my entitlement to Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit?All income from war pensions or being a war widow is disregarded. However we still need to know that you receive it and we will ask you for a breakdown of how this is made up.
Does the money paid by non-dependants for their keep, count as income for the Council Tax Benefit/Housing Benefit claimant?No. Money paid by non-dependants for their keep is not treated as the claimant's income. It doesn't matter how much or how little the non-dependant pays, the amount deducted from a claimant's entitlement to Council Tax Benefit/Housing Benefit is a fixed sum depending on the non-dependents gross income and circumstances.
Does Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance only cover physical difficulties?No, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance also takes into consideration such things as a person requiring prompting or encouragement or reminding to do tasks. A person's needs will vary depending on their condition.
Can students claim housing benefit or council tax benefit?If you are a full-time student and living alone or in a property with other full-time students, you may be eligible for a 100% reduction in council tax. If you live with other non-student non-dependants, the household may be entitled to a 25% reduction in council tax. There are some instances where full time students with dependants may be entitled to assistance with paying their rent. You should contact the welfare service to discuss what you are entitled to.
Can I claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance if I live on my own and do not get any help?Yes you can still claim Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance if you live on your own. DLA or Attendance Allowance is paid as recognition of the help that you need with personal care. Likewise mobility component of DLA is in recognition of help you need getting around. These needs still exists even if you don't get help.
Are there any risks in asking for a higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance?Where you have an existing award of DLA or Attendance Allowance, a new claim form or letter asking for a reconsideration will result in a complete reconsideration of your entitlement and as such your existing award could be changed. You should seek advice before making a request for a higher rate.