The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance across the UK, including 81,682 living in Scotland.
In his recent Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed that State Pension, disability and working age benefits will be uprated by the September inflation rate of 10.1% from April 2023. This means that people claiming Carer’s Allowance will receive a new weekly payment of £76.75 and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to £307.00 - an increase of £28.20 from the current rate of £278.80.
Unpaid carers living in Scotland will also receive additional payments twice a year from the Scottish Government through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement. These are paid in June and December and worth £245.70.
To qualify for the next Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment in June, new claims need to be received by April 10, 2023.
To receive the payment next year, people will need to have been claiming Carer’s Allowance by April 10, 2023 - Social Security Scotland automatically adds the Carer’s Allowance Supplement element to your claim made to the DwP.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment
If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states that all of the following must apply:
You are 16 or over
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
You have been in Scotland for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
You are not in full-time education
You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?
You can claim online at the GOV.UK website here or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
Before you apply make sure you have your:
National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
Bank or building society details
Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
P45 if you’ve recently finished work
Course details if you’re studying
Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work
GOV.UK guidance states that you also need details of the person you care for.
You need their:
Date of birth and address
National Insurance number if they are 16 or over
Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16
More help and advice about Carer's Allowance
You can get more help and advice from:
Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.
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