Benefits for my son leaves home — Scope | Disability forum
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Benefits for my son leaves home

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Springfield66
Springfield66 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
edited March 2019 in Benefits and financial support
We are leaving London and I am lucky enough to be able to buy my son a studio flat but cannot provide on going financial support. He is currently receiving SEA as he suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder. He will not have a mortgage but will have to pay service charges and ground rent as it's leasehold. I am trying to ensure he will have somewhere when we are gone but don't know what he's entitled to as a result of his change of circumstances. His situation will no doubt be reviewed and I am worried he will struggle. Any advice really appreciated. Thank you
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  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
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    Hi @Springfield66
    We have a benefits calculator here you can try.
    Scope
    Senior online community officer
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  • woodbine
    woodbine Community member Posts: 11,621 Disability Gamechanger
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    hi does he claim PIP as well as ESA?
    2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡

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  • Springfield66
    Springfield66 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
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    No, he only claims ESA, what is PIP?
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  • Springfield66
    Springfield66 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
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    We haven’t moved yet so I cannot identify council tax etc but would like to be as prepared as possible. I don’t think I can gauge as yet to look at what he might be entitled to?
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,018 Disability Gamechanger
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    Hi,

    I'd advise a visit to your local advice centre for a benefits check for him. CAB or welfare rights will be a good place to start.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,018 Disability Gamechanger
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    PIP has replaced DLA. Claiming this will depend on how his conditions affect his ability to carry out daily activities based on the PIP descriptors. Evidence will be needed to support a claim and a face to face assessment will most likely be needed. These links may help.



    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering
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    Hi @Springfield66 You should certainly look into PIP as above.  It is possible he may get some help with the Service Charges but this is a tricky area.  Firstly only if the DWP accept this is not a contrived arrangement (ie the arrangement came about in order to obtain benefit payments) will they consider paying anything.  It seems to be that you have an argument for that.  Secondly he may be able to apply for Universal Credit for the eligible service charges but beware - any such claim is likely to close his ESA claim down and he will not be able to re-open it.  Ground rent is not an eligible item so this would not be covered but he could potentially have help with service charges if they are a condition of him occupying the accommodation (ideally set out in the lease) and are for things like the general maintenance of the building, the upkeep of communal areas etc.  As this is a tricky area, and a UC claim could stop his ESA (dependent on what type of ESA he is on), I would suggest you seek some specialist one to one advice on this before taking any action.  Take details of the type of ESA in payment and the details of the Service Charges so you can be properly advised.  All the best, Sarah
    The Benefits Training Co:

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  • Springfield66
    Springfield66 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
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    Many thanks Sarah, really helpful, do you have any suggestions as to who to approach for specialist help? I genuinely am not trying to be devious, just know he has a fighting chance whenI’m gone ?
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,018 Disability Gamechanger
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    Welfare rights or a law centre will be a good place to start. This link will help you find what's local to you.

    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • Springfield66
    Springfield66 Community member Posts: 8 Listener
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    Thank you so much!
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