New analysis by Policy in Practice suggests that the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is nearly £19 billion each year. The research found that an estimated £2 billion in Carer’s Allowance is unclaimed by half a million eligible households across Scotland, England and Wales each year.
This means people are missing out on £3,991 in unclaimed benefits this year as the benefit, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is worth £76.75 per week, or £307 each monthly pay period. On top of that, claimants in Scotland will also receive two additional payments each year through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement which is worth £245.70 in 2023.
More than 81,000 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance received the devolved paymen t in December 2022 and while it’s too late to make a claim and receive the June payment, successful new applications made before October 9 will be eligible for the next payment due in December.
For anyone considering making a new claim for Carer’s Allowance, the latest statistics for processing times by DWP showed that by the end of October 2022 it was taking 37 working days to process an application from initial submission to award decision letter.
However, processing times fluctuate throughout the year and it could take less or more time to get a decision. Payments can be backdated by up to three months.
Check below to make sure you’re not missing out on additional support if you provide care for a friend or family member for at least 35 hours each week.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £76.75 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 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 £139 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
Guidance on GOV.UK states 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.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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