Benefits

[Purple0097]

Can anyone help me with a question about what my daughter is entitled to in relation to benefits.She is 25 and has a diagnosis of autism and anxiety.

She is currently in receipt of DLA and ESA but I am unsure as to whether she can claim any other benefits such as UC?

She is currently taking part in a Supported Internship scheme which will hopefully lead to paid employment in the future.

Many thanks

[49Twister]

She is receiving the right benefits, my son gets ESA and PIP and he has severe learning disabilities and anxiety. DLA will be replaced by PIP. I believe they will contact you but I'm sure you can ring them and ask to change over. It means more form filling though and possible face to face appt. Everyone on ESA will eventually be moved onto UC, again they will get in touch. She would be entitled to housing benefit and council tax if she lived on her own.

[Purple0097 in reply to 49Twister]

Many thanks for your reply, it's so nice to be able to get some straight forward knowledgeable advice

[Purdybaby in reply to Purple0097]

Hi just to let yoi know that as shes 25 she only get shared housing rate on housing benefit as only gets full housing benefit when shes 35 and over for a studio or 1 bed flat. Just found out for my son who 28

[DrSarahmac]

It’s worth looking at the rates for PIL and UC as these may be preferable. I’d heard all the scare stories and was worried when my daughter had to leave Workjng tax credit for UC but she was far better off. Similarly PIP was a scary prospect from DLA which she’d been on since childhood but she is far better off on this mainly because her associated health conditions had worsened . It’s a lot of work to make the switch but in our case it was worth it. You can check the rates on the “entitled to” or “turn to us”website. Universal credit also has an additional payment if you have a limited capability for work.

[Purple0097 in reply to DrSarahmac]

Many thanks for your advice, greatly appreciated

[DrSarahmac in reply to Purple0097]

I don't know anything about ESA so check carefully but for us it was worth moving from WTC to UC 👍

[SpeedyH]

Hi there. As others have said, your daughter is receiving the correct benefits but now that she is 25 specifically she might be better to move to UC in place of her ESA, as it pays slightly more once you reach that age. She might be better off staying on DLA for as long as she can as it works slightly differently to PIP in terms of day and night needs, which might be relevant if she has to draw on care/support from social care. I keep saying 'might' because the benefits system is very complex and it depends on her own personal circumstances. Citizens advice or a local disability benefits advice service should be able to help you.

[Purple0097 in reply to SpeedyH]

Many thanks for your reply , it's so nice to receive some straight forward advice

[Bergersil400]

As others have said on correct benefits at present, but in future PIP will be the replacement for ESA & UC will be rolled out for all groups in near future to replace ESA. If she moves into supported living UC will be needed in some cases, to receive costs towards rent, especially if it is a private rental.

This was something I wasn't aware of when my daughter moved into supported living last year. She was still on ESA but in order to receive costs towards rent, she had to be moved immediately onto UC. By the time she was assessed and moved over she was nearly 3 months behind on her rent. I had to pay the arrears due to UC having a rule, they will only back date the first month. That is for the future. At present you are fine with the current benefits.

[Purple0097 in reply to Bergersil400]

Thankyou for your advice, so sorry you had to pay for your daughter's back rent, it's so frustrating that we are not fully aware of all the facts we need to help our children/young adults. Can I ask you another question? Does your daughter enjoy her supported living? Was it a good move on your part? We have been contemplating something similar. Many thanks

[Bergersil400 in reply to Purple0097]

Hi Purple0097 Thanks for your reply.In reply to your first question. Does she enjoy her new home? She is age 28 non verbal, and has severe learning disability and requires support 24/7 1:1 & 2:1 out in community

It is difficult to know if she is enjoying being there as she can't communicate verbally and would be happy anywhere.

For us personally to answer your 2nd question did we make the right move? I am not sure the type of supported living we chose - a single occupancy flat within a 12 flat complex was quite the right type. The reason being is that staff could be allocated to look after the resident in either of the flats, meaning rather than have a small team working with her to get to know her, she could have many supporting her over the course of the week. Maybe a flat/bungalow not within a complex would suit my daughters needs better.

We are having meeting shortly to address our concerns with continuing health care team.

I would say take your time, to access what type of housing would best suit your daughters needs, and unless in crisis situation,try and get more support in the community and respite breaks first.

Good luck.

[Purple0097 in reply to Bergersil400]

Many thanks and hope the meeting goes well for you