We are aware of a client who was receiving Pension Credit with an assessed income period (AIP). She then sold her house and arranged her own accommodation in a care home on a self-funding basis. The assumed income from her capital now takes her way over PC levels.

The Pension Service have stopped her PC under reg 12 (c) which says
"An assessed income period shall end at such time as -
..... (c) a claimant who has no partner is provided with accommodation in a care home other than on a temporary basis."

Client wants to appeal against end of AIP and removal of PC on the grounds that, as a self-funder and LA not involved in placement, she is not "provided" with accommodation.

We will encourage client to appeal, but are concerned that "provided with accommodation" may not have the same technical meaning as "arranged by" in other community care contexts ....
It may just mean in plain English that the care home owner "provides" her with accommodation under her contractual arrangement

It does seem strange that the regs only seem to cater for this one specific situation where a client sells their house and doesn't buy another -- client could rent privately and claim HB/CTB and not fall foul of reg 12.

Any one got any ideas on the reading of "provided" ?

Thanks

alban