Hi

Can anyone help me with the following situation?

Couple living in mortgaged property. One is about to turn 60 and they are considering whether to claim PC or stick with IS until the other reaches 60. (It works out the same amount whichever they decide to claim) Currently both receive IB long term, but 60 y/o will claim SRP when the time comes. Both on DLA MRC and underlying entitlement to CA.

They have taken out a secured loan to pay for a small extension to their property to provide them with a downstairs bathroom as they both have trouble climbing the stairs due to disabilities.

On researching whether they would be eligible for help with housing costs, there seems to be a gap in the law as far as this situation is concerned. Claimants can get help with new loans arising during a relevant period if they buy a new home that is better suited to the needs of a 'disabled person' (defined more leniently for IS claimants than PC claimants)

OR

Can get help for loans for repairs/improvements that keep the building in a habitable condition (including bathroom equipment, but not necessarily the extension to put them in)

Am I missing something? Could we argue the extension was required to keep the property in habitable condition as no room to install a bathroom otherwise?


Whilst I'm posting, there's another issue - they own a canal boat which is up for sale at the moment and is disregarded for benefit purposes. If they sell this and buy a motor home to replace it, will this be counted as capital?


And do any of these issues have an influence on whether they should claim PC or continue to claim IS?! I'm really having a head-scratch about this one!