Do you mean that her IS stopped with the Carers Allowance ? If over 55 she would come under special rules, but at 54 she would need a sicknote. If she has always been unable to work, and the GP would certify then a backdated medical certificate of at least a year could get her instant disability premium. Otherwise it would not be unreasonable to be certified as unfit to work due to depression or similar for at least a short period after a partners death. (as you say she cannot work immediately, this implies she might be capable of work except for the death of her partner).
If she is capable of work, but has no real chance of getting or holding a job, they can't penalise for that when claiming JSA as long as you actively look for work and meet the jobsearch agreements...
There is nothing I can think of that isn't going to lead to a fall in income though.
|