respite care grant

My 90 year old mother moved in permanently with my wife and myself just over 2 years ago. I am now caring for her full time, but I don't qualify for any benefits for doing this because of my wifes earnings, I accept this. However, I applied (for the 1st time) for the respite care grant last May and to date have heard nothing from anyone. All the forms were filled out properly and in July I phoned and was eventually told my application had been received and seemed to be in order, but that they weren'r dealing with my May application yet, as there were too many for them to deal with. Can anyone tell me when I might hear something on this, or have others had the same experience? Thanks in anticipation.

look into the direct payment scheme on the direct gov web site hun they give your mum the payment to support her own care.. that way she uses that to pay you or anyone who comes to help her.. it basically means that your mum becomes your employer.. i get it for my mum

Just to point out that the directgov website refers to allowances and entitlements in the UK. This is an Irish site, and most questions refer to allowances and entitlements in Ireland.

Do you receive or have you applied for the Household Benefit Package (Electricity, Phone and TV licence) as she is over 70