I get rent allowance. Can someone stay in my house to mind my kids when i go for op?

I am in receipt of rent allowance for the last 18 months.

I have to go for an operation in the second week of October, and will gave to stay in hospital for 10 days afterwards. My kids dad agreed to take off work, and mind the kids for me during the time that I'm in hospital.

However, their dad is a long-distance truck driver, so he has no home of his own. Will I get in trouble with Social Welfare is he stays in my house for 2 weeks to help me out with the kids?

I also have to collect my payment from the post-office each week. Will I loose the money in the week that I won't be able to collect it, or will they keep it for me?

Should I inform my Social Welfare Officer about the above, or how should I handle the obove matter?

Re: I get rent allowance. Can someone stay in my house to mind my kids when i go for

You should inform the Social welfare - are you on another payment as well as in reciept of RA? If so I'd imagine they will transfer you on to a Disability payment until you are available for work again. You are much better off just telling them - you don't need to be worrying about them finding out instead of concentrating on recovering. I'm not sure how they view someone moving in in such circumstances.

Re: I get rent allowance. Can someone stay in my house to mind my kids when i go for

I would say its best to let them know of the situation. Also the last thing you need is some nosy neighbour reporting you for co habiting etc.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and hope that you will have a speedy recovery.

Regards,
Emiso

Re: I get rent allowance. Can someone stay in my house to mind my kids when i go for

If you're on Jobseeker's payment, you will have to sign off for the time you're in hospital as you aren't available for work. You may be eligible for Illness Benefit, but that will depend on your PRSI record for the past few years.

If you're on One Parent Family Payment and paid by pension book, you can nominate someone else to collect your payment for a couple of weeks till you get back on your feet again.

If you're paid by Postdraft (swipe card at the PO rather than a book), your payment cannot be collected by anyone else, however it does remain in the PO for some time (longer than jobseeker payments which are sent back after a few days), so it should be there for you on your return.

I suggest contacting the CWO who looks after your Rent Supplement claim and advise him/her of the short-term change in circumstances. While the change wouldn't affect your entitlement, as Emiso said, the last thing you need is an incorrect report of cohabitation being made and payments ceasing while it's investigated.

Good luck!

Re: I get rent allowance. Can someone stay in my house to mind my kids when i go for

I don't know much about the way this system works, but I definately reckon being upfront with the SW office will be the best bet. You'll have proof for the operation & obviously someone will need to mind the kids, so I'm sure they will be understanding of your situation. The fact your kids are still in the house, I reckon it should not really affect the RA due. By not saying anything, you may be seen as trying to hide something.

Best of luck with the op & it great to hear of a situation where ex's are happy to still look out for each other and the best interest of the kids!