Benefits being stopped and massive bill

[Night Owl]

I can't believe in all of this that the "family member" is not taking any sort of responsibility to help Mandy?

 

Well done Caro for what you and your hubby are doing but I would make sure that you have something in writing to say that this family member agrees to what you are doing, or they may come out of the woodwork later down the line and be a whole different person!! I would definately have a contact number for this person so that they can be kept informed throughout.

A representitive may be better.

 

Mandys GP would only be able to share relevant information with you if Mandy was with you and in agreement.

[caro]

I can't believe in all of this that the "family member" is not taking any sort of responsibility to help Mandy?

 

Well done Caro for what you and your hubby are doing but I would make sure that you have something in writing to say that this family member agrees to what you are doing, or they may come out of the woodwork later down the line and be a whole different person!! I would definately have a contact number for this person so that they can be kept informed throughout.

A representitive may be better.

 

Mandys GP would only be able to share relevant information with you if Mandy was with you and in agreement.

 

The family member went with Mandy to the interview and thought that the money would probably have to be paid back. She may well be right but that's no reason not to put up a fight in my book. As Mandy herself says she's not clued up on things like this (like I am ) but at least I know where to look for help. The lady has a very responsible job as well as a family and she does help in other ways. Since Mandy's mum died she has been there for her, helping with funeral arrangements and lots of practical ways, but we're just round the corner so closer at hand.

 

 

I went to see Mandy tonight and the letter from the benefits office is pathetic. It says benefits are stopped from November 5th due to a change in circumstances that they weren't informed about, and they want the information they've requested in 28 days in the enclosed envelope. They don't say what info they want and there was no enclosed envelope. I'm going round tomorrow dinnertime so we can phone the benefits office to see what they want. We've also completed the SAR form and Mandy has agree that I can represent her so I'll knock up a letter tonight for her to sign and we'll send it with the SAR tomorrow.

 

Apparently Mandy hasn't had any epileptic seizures since 1992 so that's good, but she says her MD has made her feel quite ill today and she had to go to bed. She's convinced the worry is making her feel worse and she looks stressed out. I've got a couple of days off work coming up so Mandy's making an appointment with her doctor so I can go to with her - see if he can advise about her medical conditions and if he can advise on any other agencies that might be able to help.

[ErikaPNP]

Caro - is it an 0845 number on the letter to call?

[caro]

Yes it is and I called today. Basically it's a bog standard letter they send out when they stop benefits. The guy said they don't need any info and Mandy doesn't need to do anything. I asked for confirmation of this in writing because I didn't want them coming back and say Mandy had her chance to respond but didn't. Eventually I was put through to someone else who told me I need the local office but they couldn't give me the number and would get someone to call back. They called back and eventually I was given the number of the benefits fraud investigator who interviewed Mandy last week.

 

She was quite curt with me when I asked if Mandy would receive any letter with the outcome of the meeting. She said a report was being typed which would go to an ajudicator (I think) for a decision and Mandy was told this could take 6 weeks. She really didn't want to know me and asked if I was the lady with Mandy last week and virtually what did it have to do with me. I explained that I was helping Mandy as I had a bit more knowledge about these things than the other lady. She said it had all been gone over at the meeting because Mandy hadn't declared her income. I explained that I did understand the situation and she seemed to become a bit less hostile. I asked if it would be acceptable for Mandy to apply for other benefits in the meantime which she said would be fine. I also told her we were sending a SAR and a letter stating that I was Mandy's representative if that was ok. She said yes of course that would be fine and seemed much more amenable by the end of the call.

 

So I guess we just have to wait.....

[beccaboop]

Hiya jus reading this and felt really concerned. I don't know much about the benefits side of things, but it snds to me that mandy may have a learning difficulty. Has she ever been diagnosed with this and if so does she have a social worker. If she hasn't got a social worker I would get in touch with one as she may need some sort of care plan. Especially if she is not clued up on day to day life and is on her own. There are many options for her such as supported living accomadation, day centers, at home support. Also social services are very good when it comes to benefits and so on and would probably be able to sort it out for her. Its worth a try all the best x

[caro]

Thanks for your input Becca. I think you're probably right about the learning difficulties, and I've tried to speak to Mandy about it. She tells me the only help she had at school was help with her writing in secondary school, but of course things were different in those days. I have a feeling she's going to need some kind of assessment and intend to speak to her doctor when I take her back for a check up. I wonder too about a social worker but I've a feeling that Mandy might be reluctant. I'm finding I need to introduce new ideas slowly and let Mandy digest them, ask questions and accept them, before moving on to something new. Even then she can seem ok and then have a bit of a wobble and start worrying again.

 

On a day to day basis she's fine in the safety of her own home and the village we live in, but would be lost outside the immediate area - in every sense of the word. My husband took her to buy a stamp and envelope to return a form to the district council, and she came out of the shop with a padded envelope which was obviously inappropriate.

 

The way I see it Mandy has been protected all her life by her mother, and now she's gone she's not equipped to deal with things that most of us take for granted.

 

Her application for 25% discount off her council tax for single occupancy has gone in, and we're a good way through the DLA application. A friend can complete a statement to support the application, and I think I'll see if her doctor might add something too.

[beccaboop]

Yes, to me she snds like she has a learning difficulty. Mandy also snds very independent I'm thinking some kind of floating support service would benefit her a lot and even a few days in a day center to meet friends and do activities. I'm a support worker myself I work in a supported living accomodation with three elderly gentlemen with learning difficulties. I have also done a floating support service for a 56 year old woman. It amazes me that she has never been diagnosed with this, but back in the day a lot of pple with this were more or likely thrown into institutions. I'm just guessing maybe her mum would have thought this to and tried to protect her. Hence why she has been so protected by her mother until now. I know social services snd scary but they her only way into any kind of support that is available for her. Either way she is a vulnerable adult and is extremely fortunate to have such good neighbours in you and your husband. However could you imagine the situation if she had befriended an unsavoury character. A floating support service would be somebody like me coming round every so often to help with makin doctors appointments, paying bills, help with financial matters, making sure she is ok and being a bit of company. Also if ahe has md I wonder how she is coping with her personal care. Social services will not move her or do anything that isn't in her best interest. Even if one day they thought something like that would be for the best they would still have to have what they call a best interest meeting wich would include close friends and family, herself (as she seems very capable in communicating what she wants) and any relevant health proffessionals. Also if you do decide to inform social services I would help her to make sure her savings are below £16000. Or she will have to pay for care. I am currently having this problem with one of the men I support. If it is more than 16 I would get her to spend it (will also help with benefits etc) even if she gets her home refurbished or buy items of gold to keep in a safe for a rainy day. Well done on your efforts to support this lady though and I hope one day she will be living a carefree and fulfilling life all the best

[caro]

I've let this slide a bit, but not the application for DLA needs to be in for Friday, so just finishing off. I've spoken to Mandy's doctor today who confirms that Mandy was diagnosed with learning difficulties in 1963, and that he considers them to be mild to moderate. He's also agreed to fill in the part of a form, which he'll do tomorrow.

 

I'm currently writing a piece for additional info to back up the claim and trying to explain a bit about Mandy. I have a question.

 

Mandy says she can't go on a bus because of her epilepsy. This is something I've heard before, but I'm not convinced that this is the case. It seems Mandy's only had one seizure many years ago and apart from that it's been managed with medication. Surely she should be able to use public transport?

 

She's probably be too scared to do it, but just wanted to know if it's right or not. I'm sure I've heard of epileptics being able to drive cars if they haven't had a fit for a year or so.

[honeybee13]

Hi Caro.

 

I just googled this and an epilepsy charity website is talking about people qualifying for bus passes, especially if they've been told not to drive.

 

HB

[beccaboop]

Yes she should be fine going on a bus especially since she hasnt had a seizure for a while. If she is anxious about it though or has never been on a bus before then probably best she dosnt do it alone. As far as im aware theres no law or anything saying epileptics cannot use public transport. Its all about individual risk assessments, types of seizures and the best plan of action to keep that person safe. I dont suppose you what type os seizures she used to have as there are many different types, some being more dangerous than others. However i dont know what your own situation is and if you are willing to support this lady for the long term on your own, thats your decision, but it will be hard and would ask you to try and get in touch with social services to get some support for her. Even if you help with her needs and they sort out a day center placement. Also is she capable of taking her medication properly and at the right times, just something to think about as the last thing anyone would want to happen is the seizure to start again.

[caro]

Thanks both. That's as I thought.

 

Don't worry becca. As a family I don't think we mind helping out, but at the end of the day Mandy is not our responsibility and we have our own lives to lead and problems to deal with.

 

Incidentally, none of her family have yet invited her for Christmas.

[Nystagmite]

Mandy says she can't go on a bus because of her epilepsy. This is something I've heard before, but I'm not convinced that this is the case. It seems Mandy's only had one seizure many years ago and apart from that it's been managed with medication. Surely she should be able to use public transport?

 

Is that the driver telling her she can't use it, or her saying herself that she can't manage?

 

She's probably be too scared to do it, but just wanted to know if it's right or not. I'm sure I've heard of epileptics being able to drive cars if they haven't had a fit for a year or so.

 

Yes. If you're fir free for one year, you can drive. if you have another fit during that year, you're banned for another 6 months. (or 10 months in my dad's case...)

 

HB - yes, that is correct. If you've been refused a driving licence for reasons other than drugs or alcohol, you're entitled to a bus pass.

[caro]

Is that the driver telling her she can't use it, or her saying herself that she can't manage?

 

I don't think she's ever tried Nys. My husband's cousin had epilepsy and also said he couldn't go on buses so maybe it's something that historically epilepsy sufferers were advised.

 

Yes. If you're fir free for one year, you can drive. if you have another fit during that year, you're banned for another 6 months. (or 10 months in my dad's case...)

 

HB - yes, that is correct. If you've been refused a driving licence for reasons other than drugs or alcohol, you're entitled to a bus pass.

 

Handy to know.

[beccaboop]

Well done to you and your family. Absolutely decent people for what you have done for mandy, youd be surprise how many familys there are out there like mandys shame on them. Hope i helped a little bit as people like mandy have a special place in my heart for personal reasons. Hopefully your next post will be the happy ending ill look forward to reading. Merry xmas and all the best for next yr

Only you know your limits and what your capable of doing!

[caro]

Thanks becca.

 

We're happy to help Mandy through this time, and grateful for the support here. This is new territory for us, but she does need a more formal network to make sure she gets the support she needs in the future.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours too.

[LaughingGirl]

I can't offer any brilliant advice Caro, but I just wanted to say I think what you and your husband are doing for this lady is fantastic. I really hope everything works out for her.

[seanamarts]

Have you contacted social services adult support care? They will know what benefits she is entitled to and will help her fill out the forms that she requires. She will also be entitled to a support worker. Just a thought

[Nystagmite]

Have you contacted social services adult support care? They will know what benefits she is entitled to and will help her fill out the forms that she requires. She will also be entitled to a support worker. Just a thought

 

They may also offer her direct payments for a carer.

[caro]

I can't offer any brilliant advice Caro, but I just wanted to say I think what you and your husband are doing for this lady is fantastic. I really hope everything works out for her.

 

As my dad would say, there but for the sake of God go I. People on CAG help each other all the time.

 

Have you contacted social services adult support care? They will know what benefits she is entitled to and will help her fill out the forms that she requires. She will also be entitled to a support worker. Just a thought

 

I haven't done yet, but feel that this is really needed. I think Mandy will resist though and will take some convincing. She's just been here and said that she thinks she's surprised a lot of people that she can manage on her own. In some ways she does, but I really think she'll resist help from strangers. I need to work out how to deal with this and get her to accept help. I'll enlist the help of her lovely doctor for this as I'm sure he'll help.

 

They may also offer her direct payments for a carer.

 

Well we'll hopefully find out in the not too distant future. In the new year I want to try and find out about what help is out there that might help Mandy.

 

The doctor has filled in part of the form confirming her problems, including that she has a learning disability. It was a great relief that he did that as I only assumed this and had nothing concrete to confirm that.

 

For now the DLA form has just gone in the post. It went in the 1st class freepost envelope they provided so hope it gets there for tomorrow which is the last day it should be in for. If it's not on time I hope they'll accept any delay due to xmas post. Mandy's relative is apparently fine with us helping but has asked to be kept informed of what's going on so I've scanned the form and will print her off a copy.

 

Mandy has had a phone call from her family today to invite her for Christmas day. I've a feeling they may have been holding out to see if we offered. We wouldn't have seen her alone, but I do confess I like a family Christmas.

[caro]

A whole lot of info arrived on Christmas Eve relating to Mandy's SAR. There are clerical and computerised records relating to income support, and clerical records relating to Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance. There is no separate computer record for SDA. They are currently having difficulty in obtaining the Incapacity Benefit computer record. They apologise for the inconvenience and will send it asap. There is also a folder with 37 A4 pages of DWP abbreviations!!!! Any I've tried to look up so far haven't been on there.

 

I've had a quick flick through and included are application forms for various benefits including Incapacity for Work decision maker's scoresheets, which suggest that Mandy is 20% disabled but needs to be 80% disabled to qualify. However it focuses on her Meniere's Disease. There seems to be no mention of learning disabilities, although one of the assessors has made a note that she's "not very bright". There was no assessment for mental health issues as this wasn't claimed for. The last assessment for Incapacity for Work seems to have been 2006.

 

One thing I have picked up is that Mandy was getting about £25 for disability on top of the standard £65 for IS. Does that suggest that she may qualify for DLA?

 

In 2005 the Determination on Incapacity a couple of boxes are ticked.

 

• Not for disallowance
  
• Meets incapacity threshold
  

Then there's a handwritten number 15 circled.

 

I'm going to need help deciphering this lot, but wondering if it's worth worrying about yet. The way I see it we're waiting on 2 things now.

 

1. The decision following the interview under caution.

2. The decision on the DLA application.

 

The first is a long time coming, but how long might we expect to wait for the DLA application? I guess with xmas it could be a couple of weeks longer than normal,

Edited December 27, 2011 by caro

[Nystagmite]

One thing I have picked up is that Mandy was getting about £25 for disability on top of the standard £65 for IS. Does that suggest that she may qualify for DLA?

 

After 52 weeks (I think) if you claim either IB or IS due to disability, you get a disability premium on top of your normal benefits.

[PriorityOne]

A whole lot of info arrived on Christmas Eve relating to Mandy's SAR. There are clerical and computerised records relating to income support, and clerical records relating to Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance. There is no separate computer record for SDA. They are currently having difficulty in obtaining the Incapacity Benefit computer record. They apologise for the inconvenience and will send it asap. There is also a folder with 37 A4 pages of DWP abbreviations!!!! Any I've tried to look up so far haven't been on there.

 

I've had a quick flick through and included are application forms for various benefits including Incapacity for Work decision maker's scoresheets, which suggest that Mandy is 20% disabled but needs to be 80% disabled to qualify. However it focuses on her Meniere's Disease. There seems to be no mention of learning disabilities, although one of the assessors has made a note that she's "not very bright". There was no assessment for mental health issues as this wasn't claimed for. The last assessment for Incapacity for Work seems to have been 2006.

 

One thing I have picked up is that Mandy was getting about £25 for disability on top of the standard £65 for IS. Does that suggest that she may qualify for DLA?

 

In 2005 the Determination on Incapacity a couple of boxes are ticked.

 

• Not for disallowance
  
• Meets incapacity threshold
  

Then there's a handwritten number 15 circled.

 

I'm going to need help deciphering this lot, but wondering if it's worth worrying about yet. The way I see it we're waiting on 2 things now.

 

1. The decision following the interview under caution.

2. The decision on the DLA application.

 

The first is a long time coming, but how long might we expect to wait for the DLA application? I guess with xmas it could be a couple of weeks longer than normal,

 

That sounds like a premium; these get added to IS claims for people claiming DLA at the middle rate or above, so she must have been getting something else at the time or it wouldn't have been included.

[PriorityOne]

After 52 weeks (I think) if you claim either IB or IS due to disability, you get a disability premium on top of your normal benefits.

 

It's not after 52 weeks. The premiums are added immediately. If these lapsed at a later date then it suggests that her DLA claim wasn't renewed.

[Nystagmite]

It's not after 52 weeks. The premiums are added immediately. If these lapsed at a later date then it suggests that her DLA claim wasn't renewed.

 

It's 52 weeks if you're claiming IS due to sickness / disability and don't receive any rate of DLA or are registered blind.

 

these get added to IS claims for people claiming DLA at the middle rate or above

 

It's any rate of DLA - including higher mobility where the mobility money is used for a car.

[PriorityOne]

It's 52 weeks if you're claiming IS due to sickness / disability and don't receive any rate of DLA or are registered blind.

 

It's any rate of DLA - including higher mobility where the mobility money is used for a car.

 

Ok.... it might have been linked to a DLA claim though; in which case it's a premium that's paid immediately so worth looking into. Premiums are not awarded for lower rate DLA (care)... althoiugh I'm not clued up on the mobility side. I'm assuming Mandy didn't have a car though, 'coz Caro would have known about it.