We have a claim from a pensioner not in receipt of Pension Credit who has started to support a 17 year old girl placed with her by the Leaving Care Team of Social Services. She receives £200 per week for supported lodgings from Social Services. This £200 is to cover the cost of the 17 year old rent, utilities , food and emotional support, but not clothing. When the 17 year old goes into respite care the claimant receives a retainer from Social Services calculated on the number of days of respite. No one claims child benefit for the 17 year old and her only income is EMA.
Could I ask you for your opinion if we should include the 17 year old in the claimant’s claim, if so is she a non-dep or boarder?
Is the £200 per week a weekly wage and if so should we make a decision as to how much of the £200 should be disregarded for food, utilities and emotional support?
Thank you
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