Forum Home → Discussion → Disability benefits → Thread
DLA and Income Support
Hi there
Husband and wife (still officially married) but have been separated for 12 years. However she acts as his carer all the way throughout.
The wife would like to move in his flat temporarily to assist him as a carer for a few months because he was admitted to the hospital for a year and needs strong support. Nevertheless she is worried that her income will have an effect on his welfare rights.
Would you please enlighten me on this issue.
Thank you,
Dina
This is potentially complicated if the department decide they are maintaining a common household - is it possible to refer her to an experience benefits adviser?
He may lose the severe disability premium (if this was awarded) otherwise if the benefit offices are satisfied the ex wife is only there as a temporary live in carer, then his benefits should be OK and if he gets DLA care or AA, there should be no non dependent deductions made by housing benefit.
She’s not his ex-wife Duncan they are still married and if, as you say, the benefit authorities are satisfied she’s there temporarily and normally lives elsewhere the SDP should not stop.
In my experience the main potential problem in such a situation will be the benefit authorities treating them as maintaining a common household - there are certain things your client should do to protect both herself and her Husband which is why i suggest an experienced benefits adviser.