Allowances / Benefits

[Charente]

My GP has kindly arranged for us to see someone from CAB next week to assist us to claim certain allowances. This seems very complicated as to what I should apply for and what we re not eligible for.

We are both OAPs. I have a nurses pension. Husband has TBI (18 months ago) which means he needs my help night and day regards toileting and daily living activities and medication and organisation and planning. We have redesigned the house for his care needs.

He walks independently short distances but only on a flat even surface. He has balance issues ( risk of falling) and 25% loss of use of left side. He tires easily. He still suffers debilitating headaches. He has undergone medical / driving tests and is allowed to drive. Although he prefers only to drive shorter journeys these days.

From what I have read I think ‘ attendance allowance ‘ and the blue badge scheme would really help us and seems to fit our situation.

Is this about right please?

Be glad of any advice to make this process as simple as possible. My husband has nt got a lot of patience for form filling or assessments these days.

Thanks Anne

[Elenor3]

Hello Good to hear you’re in the process of getting the extra financial help needed. CAB should be able to assist you with form filling. I’m not sure about the Blue Badge scheme but wonder if your husband has a specially adapted car? There are schemes to help people back to driving post brain injury - I think there’s a web site called Motability that may be able to point you in the right direction. Perhaps with the need for help with planning and organising issues you describe and with the physical symptoms also, he may need a bit of assistance with driving until he recovers more? Motability might be able to offer refresher courses for driving? Wishing you good luck with your applications.

[Hidden]

The CAB knows how to deal with it, let them fill in the forms and will help you through the process. May be good to contact age and disability related charities also. Dealing with government agencies is testing. Wish you well.

[cat3]

What a sensible and proactive GP you have Charente ; many GPs would consider your allowance issues beyond their remit. CAB will know exactly what your and your man's entitlements are and which schemes/benefits are appropriate.

And, as Elenor & Pink have said, don't fret about the form filling ; the CAB will make light work of them. Best wishes, Cat x

[sospan]

Similar to Cat, my first reaction was "wow, what a great GP !" glad there is some silver lining.

CAB will probably mention it as well, it worth contacting "Adult services" in you County Council offices.

All the best

[Sem2011]

Morning

Yes, over 65 are entitled to attendance allowance, and not PIP. It is standard practice, and honestly it is a less stressful as attendance allowance system is not as detailed in the application , and more likely to be awarded, than PIP. For only the powers that be have decided PIP is a difficult process, and have to await tribunal hearing 10 months after my benefits were cut, I am sure you will be entitled to receive AA without any trouble,and they an back date payment, I believe.

CAB are very good with experienced welfare drivers benefits advisors. Have you applied for your winter fuel allowance? Any we are entitled to a reduction of 25% of our used wastage supply due to the need of bathroom washing due to your current illness. Good luck ix

[LouBL0u]

Hi

Good luck with your claim. My parents receive attendance allowance, my dad at the higher rate and my mum at the lower..Help the Aged were brilliant and came to the house to fill out the forms for them.

Take care x