Soldato
- Joined
- 19 Oct 2004
- Posts
- 12,387
- Location
- Jesmond
Ok, this situation can be described as complicated at best and a nightmare at worst, but I'll do my best to explain the basic situation I'm in at the moment with a bit of background.
My Mum is on DSS because of health problems and was due to move into a flat next week. This was to coincide with my house being sold and me moving into a house-share. I was meant to be stopping with her for a couple of weeks until about March when my place should be ready but there is a problem - her flat has fallen through.
We now have to find her somewhere to live that the DSS are willing to pay the full rent for. This has proven very difficult to do as they seem to believe she doesn't need to live in a safe area and that a flat the size of a cupboard is suitable. Obviously I want her to be somewhere safe, comfortable and I want her to be happy.
So here is what I'm looking for advice on - if we got a place together would she still get the same DSS benefits? I know I would have to pay the full council tax (if she was alone she would be exempt) but what about the rest? Would they still pay the same amount of rent for example or claim that I should pay all of it as I'm her daughter?
Obviously I would like to aim these questions at the DSS but they don't open till Monday! Any info you can give me (or advise on how to approach the DSS for the best results
) would be greatly appreciated!
My Mum is on DSS because of health problems and was due to move into a flat next week. This was to coincide with my house being sold and me moving into a house-share. I was meant to be stopping with her for a couple of weeks until about March when my place should be ready but there is a problem - her flat has fallen through.
We now have to find her somewhere to live that the DSS are willing to pay the full rent for. This has proven very difficult to do as they seem to believe she doesn't need to live in a safe area and that a flat the size of a cupboard is suitable. Obviously I want her to be somewhere safe, comfortable and I want her to be happy.
So here is what I'm looking for advice on - if we got a place together would she still get the same DSS benefits? I know I would have to pay the full council tax (if she was alone she would be exempt) but what about the rest? Would they still pay the same amount of rent for example or claim that I should pay all of it as I'm her daughter?
Obviously I would like to aim these questions at the DSS but they don't open till Monday! Any info you can give me (or advise on how to approach the DSS for the best results
) would be greatly appreciated!