Housing Issues
If the person you are caring for is the tenant in a Housing Association/Council property, what happens depends largely on you relationship to that person. If you are a close relative, son, daughter or sibling for example and you have to live in the property for more than 12 months, there is a right of succession (Housing Acts 1980 & 1985). This means that usually the property is passed on to the person who remains living there. However there are issues around the size of the property, for example, if you are a single person and the property is a 3 bedroom house; there may be some opposition to you staying there. There is also a Transfer of Tenancy, which can be applied for if the person moving out (into residential care for example) agrees and the Housing Association/Council think it is appropriate. If in doubt, contact your local Housing Association/Council for details.
As soon as you become a carer, it is strongly advisable to seek both legal and financial advice straight away rather than leaving the situation until a crisis occurs. For more information contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Housing Benefit
This is a benefit that you may be able to claim if you are receiving Income Support, or for those not claiming Income Support, if you have capital (savings etc.) of less than £16,000 alongside a low weekly income. Even if you are a private, council or housing association tenant, or you live on a houseboat, caravan or mobile home you are eligible to claim.
Council Tax
If you are caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week in the same house and they are in receipt of Attendance Allowance (higher rate) or Disability Living Allowance (care higher rate) and you are not the spouse of the person, or the parent of a child under 18, a discount may be made. There are also special reductions for people with disabilities (both adults and children). This may apply when adaptations have been made to the property and/or accommodation for wheelchairs etc. If you are on Income Support it may mean that you entitled to a 100% discount, however this may be dependant on non-dependants living within the home. For those not on income support but on low incomes with capital of less than £16,000 you may get a discount. Individuals with a severe mental impairment and in receipt of a disability benefit or who were before retiring are entitled to a complete exemption.
As a carer you do not have to be in receipt of Carers Allowance to benefit and more than one person can be classed as a carer.
Housing Repairs, Improvements & Adaptations
The person you are caring for may be eligible to obtain a grant to help with the cost of repairing, improving or adapting their home or if your home if the cared for lives with you. There are three different types of grant you may be eligible for:
- Renovation Grants
- Disabled Facilities Grant
- Home Repair Assistance
For more information contact your local:
- Housing & Health Advice Centre
- County Council
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Age Concern
- Carers Association
Links:
Housing in Staffordshire is a Borough or District responsibility, contact information can be accessed via the local telephone directory or the Local Authorities contact page: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/yourcouncil/otherlocalauthorities
www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_family/home_and_neighbourhood_index_ew.htm
www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care
Housing Care: This site aims to help older people make decisions about where to live, and any support or care they need. It will help people maintain, adapt or improve their home; find care or home help services; or move to retirement, or extra care housing, or to a care home. It is a partnership venture, led by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC). www.housingcare.org
