DWP: Changes you must tell us about query

[Drjm]

Hi all,

Following on from another recent supported living and benefits question:

I got my yearly update letter from the DWP regarding PIP and was looking at the ‘changes you must tell us about’ section.

There is a bit about going into a care home but supported living isn’t specifically mentioned.

My understanding is that supported living is classed differently from a care home and that you keep the daily living component of PIP in supported living but lose it if you live in a care home.

However I am wondering if I do need to tell them my son is no longer at home and lives in supported living?

There is a section about going into ‘the care of a local authority or health and social care trust’. My son gets NHS CHC funding - do I need to tell them that? I’m not sure whether being under this system makes any difference to the amount of PIP awarded.

Sorry if these questions are obvious. I would like to be clear what the situation is to avoid any confusion when talking to the DWP.

Thanks!

[Bergersil400]

Hi It is natural for you to be concerned regarding the benefit changes that might occur when our loved ones transition to supported living or residential care.I was exactly the same in 2022 when we were preparing to move our daughter who was age 26 into supported living. She is 100% health funded which means she keeps all her PIP and her higher rate mobility allowance which will apply in your case.

You have to report change of address as there is a tenancy involved and that will be their main residence. Additionally like my daughter in order to receive help with rent you may have to change from ESA to UC if you haven't already done so. As my daughters SL is a private rental the housing costs comes through her UC benefit each month.. You need to apply separately for council tax exemption and will include GP evidence.

We also needed the address change reporting as she was moving from county to city so she would need a new GP and her adult disability consultant would need to change to city as well.

Obviously her energy and water usage bills would go to her SL address, and even voting eligibility if applicable would need her main residence as the address. As you can gather there are many reasons why you need to report changes.

An advantage of SL if like me you receive carers allowance you can still keep it as long as put in 35 hours per week for the full amount. I enquired and your loved one doesn't have to live with you to keep it either and can include lots of tasks not just care. As she comes to us for up to 3 days per week I am putting in well in excess 35 hours per week of care.

You could start enquiring now to see the best way forward before the move commences.

Good luck.

[Drjm in reply to Bergersil400]

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is very helpful to know.

[Evoke13xt]

Yes, you do need to advise them. Send a letter by post because trying to get through on the phone can take a very very long time. We have just done this with our son moving into SL.

[Drjm in reply to Evoke13xt]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice and suggestion about putting the details in a letter. That definitely sounds a good idea!

[ssslondon]

Yes you do have to tell the DWP about a change of address - however, they can still send correspondence to you at your address. It doesn't affect their PIP or other benefits but they do need to know where the young person is living.

You are right about the difference in keeping PIP daily living if a young person goes into a care home - or a residential college. They are still entitled to PIP but they don't receive the care component money while in a residential care setting - this includes residential college. If it's a college and they come home for weekends or holidays you can retrospectively receive the PIP money for they days they were at home.

If your young person is CHC funded and in supported living they keep all their benefits - they don't have to make a contribution towards their care package as they do if social care funded.

On the whole it's always best to be cautious and tell the DWP more than they might need to know rather than less.

[Drjm in reply to ssslondon]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It’s good to have this clarified as I was concerned I might need to repay benefits.

Much appreciated!