Carers Allowance - "Does anyone live with you"

Hello peeps! Probably a silly question, but I am a live-in landlady with a lovely lodger/boarder over many years. I was in fulltime work when she moved in, she was on the old-style incapacity benefit at that point, maybe 20 years ago. Since then, I had a mental breakdown - had to leave work, now I am in ESA support group. She is also in ESA support group.

We tend to help each other - I help her physically with daily living, she helps me by just 'being there'.

My lodger/boarder has now been awarded PIP (both standard rate daily living & standard rate mobility) after I helped her fill in the forms (much guidance from this site - ty!).

She received a letter a few days ago asking about her extra 'Severe Disability Premium' criteria - but she says that I should claim Carer's Allowance instead.

I feel torn - I give my help freely each day, since 2000 because I'm now able to do so because I cannot work due to my severe anxiety, but I am really worried that I will lose my contribution-based ESA if I claim Carer's Allowance. Would that make me capable of work?

I cannot stand by when she needs help, I help her dress & wash etc each day, but does that make me capable of more in the eyes of the DWP?? I am so worried - I don't know what to do for the best - cannot sleep.

Please give us some guidance so I don't have to ring anybody at CAB - would rather do the forms online so I don't have to speak to anybody face-to-face.

I don't know if it would affect my ESA (I get contribution based, because income-related would be £6pw less after income from my lodger/boarder), but I am caring for her each day. This is in no way affected by my mental status, I am a human being with compassion.

What should I do???

Many thanks for any help! xx

Hi Gordon - thank you so much! I have checked my latest DWP letter, because I actually applied for (IR) ESA last year - as a householder/landlady it would open the door to me for other help eg updated boiler, essential house repairs etc.

I have no assets, but they are continuing to pay my 2nd year's ESA at the (CB) rate as my rent from 'P' counts as £19pw income (after £39 not counted as allowable expenses), meaning I would get £6pw less ESA under the (IR) criteria after 'top-up' payment because I used to be on Incapacity Benefit before the changes to ESA.

From April 2015 it says I will continue to get ESA(CB) at the same rate (no change 3 years now) because of this Disability Income Guarantee - ie £112.05 (CB) because only £106.05 (IR) after income from boarder. They automatically pay the higher rate.

I think it would be worth applying for the Carers Premium from what you said, as even though my IR rate is less than my CB rate it would be better for me to claim the IR rate + Carers Premium (I work out should be over £10pw more than CB alone).

I keep the rent book up to date, we have become firm friends over the years but both are single women - the arrangement suits us both. Since my mental breakdown I am glad of the company, & 'P' is grateful for my assistance in her daily life with her worsening physical problems.

I hope this helps clarify the dilemma I am in, many thanks again for your help!

LilaKitten