Carer's Allowance claimants urged to check if they…

Carer's Allowance claimants urged to check if they qualify for other DWP benefits

In a new report from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there were 81,682 people in Scotland last year receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance.

Carer's Allowance is set to rise in line with inflation from April this year, reports the Daily Record. The payments of £69.70 will increase to £76.75 in total.

However, claimants of this benefit will not be eligible for the £900 cost of living payment that was announced in the Autumn Statement last November. The additional financial support will be worth £900 in 2023/24 and split into three lump sums of £301, £300 and £299.

The aim from the DWP and the Government is to include as many people on a low income as possible over the three potential qualifying periods. Several MPs have asked DWP if it has “made an assessment of the potential merits of providing a cost of living payment to unpaid carers” since the support began last July.

The response has been sympathetic, yet unwavering on the eligibility rules on the cost of living payments. However, in a written response to Labour MP Justin Madders last month, DWP Minister Tom Pursglove, urged unpaid carers to check their eligibility for means-tested benefits so they will receive the cost of living payment.

Mr Pursglove said: “The Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers every day in providing significant care and continuity of support to family and friends, including pensioners and those with disabilities.

“Depending on personal circumstances, carers may be eligible for means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit. Means-tested benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the Carer Element in Universal Credit and the additional amounts for carers in other benefits respectively.

“We would encourage anyone who is providing unpaid care, and who is not already in receipt of a means-tested benefit, to check on GOV.UK to confirm whether there are other benefits they may be entitled to.”

He continued: “Advice can also be sought from organisations such as Carers UK and Citizens Advice. Means-tested benefits can provide extra weekly income and trigger extra support with the cost of living.

“Nearly 60 per cent of carers on low incomes, who are of working age and on Carer’s Allowance, claim a means-tested benefit, through which they may be entitled to receive up to £650 in Cost of Living Payments in 2022/23. These payments are targeted at low income households in receipt of an eligible means-tested benefit, including pensioners who are in receipt of Pension Credit.”

The quickest way to check your eligibility for benefits is to use an online benefits calculator. These are free, independent and completely confidential to use - so there’s nothing to lose.

In mere minutes, you can find out how much money you are owed in support, just by entering some details. You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out: