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, including 81,682 living in Scotland.
While Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with inflation next April, increasing from £69.70 per week to £76.75, claimants will still not be eligible for the means-tested cost of living payment announced in the Autumn Statement earlier this month.
The additional support payment will be worth £900 in 2023/24, an increase of £250 on this year’s £650 which was paid in two instalments in July and November. Earlier this month, the Carer’s Trust called on the UK Government to provide immediate cost of living support to unpaid carers.
Since the first part of the £650 means-tested payments were made to more than 8 million people across the country, 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” to which the response has always been sympathetic, but unwavering in the eligibility rules often explaining how statistically, some 60% of unpaid carers are living in a household where someone is in receipt of one of the qualifying means-tested benefits.
However, in a written response to Labour MP Justin Madders last week, DWP Minister Tom Pursglove, urged unpaid carers to check their eligibility for means-tested benefits to confirm whether there are other benefits they may be entitled to, which would in turn make them eligible for the next 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% 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 if you might be eligible for additional benefits or discounts is to use an online benefits calculator. These are free, independent and completely confidential to use - so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment which is now available for children up to the age of 16 and worth £100 every four weeks.
It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.
Turn2us
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
Policy in Practice
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
entitledto
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
What you will need
You will need accurate information about your:
Savings
Income, including your partner’s
Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
Latest Council Tax bill
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
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