Almost a third of Wales' unpaid carers are still to claim a £500 payment to help with the cost of living crisis. The deadline is just over two weeks away.
The Welsh Government announced in April for those who are unpaid carers, which is someone who cares for a partner, relative or friend who has an illness or disability. Unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance on March 31st this year must register with their local authority by July 15 this year to receive the payment. Carers Allowance is paid to people caring for at least 35 hours a week, who care for someone receiving certain benefits and who earn no more than £128 a week.
So far, 69% of eligible carers in Wales have applied. Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan said: "We are immensely proud of our unpaid carers in Wales, many of whom struggle to make time for themselves because of their caring role. We understand not all unpaid carers will be eligible for this payment, as many are not in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance, and we will continue supporting carers of all ages in every way we can. During Carers Week I announced the continuation of our successful Carers Support Fund over the next three years.
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“I hope this payment of £500 will go some way to easing some of the pressures facing unpaid carers as well as recognising the value of their caring role to Wales’ health and social care system. I urge anyone who has not applied for their payment to come forward and submit their claim."
Who can register?
You will be eligible for the payment if:
- you were receiving Carer's Allowance on 31 March 2022
- your application for Carer's Allowance is in progress and your claim is backdated to 31 March 2022
- you live in Wales
You will not be eligible for the payment if:
- you have an underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance, but do not receive a payment because you are in receipt of another benefit at the same or higher rate
- you only receive a carer premium within a means-tested benefit
How to claim
Your council will check that you are eligible for the payment and the registration process closes at 5pm on July 15. You must submit your registration form before then via your local council’s website, over the phone, or in person. You can find your local council here.
You need to register through your council. They will be responsible for processing your payment. All successful claims will be paid by 30 September 2022. You do not need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Carer's Allowance Unit if you claim the £500. Your local authority can help with any queries you may have.
Will the payment affect other benefits?
The payment will not impact any benefits you may be receiving and it is not:
- be taxable
- be subject to National Insurance contributions
- be included as part of income when calculating entitlement for tax credits
For more information on this payment contact olderpeopleandcarers@gov.wales.
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