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Chat with welfare expert Bill McCormack

Bill McCormack, Manager of Welfare Rights in Dumfries, Scotland, and a welfare advisor for more than eight years, answered questions put to him by members of the Carers & Cared For message board on April 22nd, 2004.

Question:
I have been my husband's full-time carer for almost two years, since he had a terrible road accident which left him a paraplegic. Recently, we decided to separate and my husband is currently trying to find alternative accommodation.

Unfortunately our house has been adapted for his wheelchair and the council have already warned us that as we are joint tenants the house is more likely to be awarded to my husband rather than myself and my two children. My husband is applying for housing benefit for a flat in a nearby town which is wheelchair accessible. Is the council likely to let my husband relinquish the lease into my name only and is he likely to get benefit for another flat?
cl-murerrol

Answer:
There is no reason why the council should not now put the house in your name, or why they will not pay your husband housing benefit for a new home. You should also claim housing benefit for your current home too.

Question:
What income support are my children and I entitled to if my husband and I are living separately? My husband is currently claiming for both of us. He also claims the higher rate of disability benefit. As a single mum getting paid for nine hours a week during the school term, what will I be entitled to?
cl-murerrol

Answer:
You should get about £55 weekly from Income Support - £80 if you have carers' allowance.

It could be that the council will insist that you now claim tax credits for the children if your date of claim is after April. Additional monies coming to you for the children will be paid by tax credits. Any earned income you have will reduce the amount you are due, although the Social Services will ignore the first £20 of your earnings and any child benefit you have, if your claim is after April.

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