Thousands of Brits may be missing out on Carer's Allowance. In fact, estimates currently sit at around half a million people who could be eligible for the payment, worth up to £3,624, but who aren't currently claiming.
One in every eight Britons care for someone else in the United Kingdom, according to Carers UK. According to the Express, that’s 6.5 million people who may not be able to commit to full-time work and so generally have a lower income. Some 500,000 of these are could be missing out on the government benefit.
The DWP benefit provides up to £270 a month to help meet their living costs, paid either weekly in advance or every four weeks. However, to qualify, that person must be caring for someone for 35 hours a week or more and not earn more than £132 a week. An additional amount would also be available to anyone who puts a new claim now as they should also qualify for a £10 Christmas bonus.
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Of course, the key wording is 'up to' when it comes to how much a person could claim and the exact amount would depend on eligibility and other benefits being claimed. Plus, the person who is being cared for will also need to be claiming certain benefits for the carer to qualify. These include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
How to apply
The government website has all the information you'll need to determine whether or not you are eligible to claim for Carer's Allowance. It is also home to an application form, which can be completed online. Click here to go straight to the Carer's Allowance page and application form at GOV.UK.
If eligible you may also be entitled to other benefits and you'll automatically get National Insurance credits.
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 (unless you get your State Pension)
- 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
You also need details of the person you care for. You need their:
- date of birth and address
- National Insurance number if they’re 16 or over
- Disability Living Allowance reference if they’re under 16
You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months.
The Government website also points carers in the direction of where to go next for more help and advice. These organisations include:
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