The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new guidance regarding the Carer's Allowance benefit.
The UK Government department's new ‘easy-read’ guide explains more about the payment and who is eligible to receive it.
Carer's Allowance is intended for those who spend 35 hours or more per week caring for somebody with a disability or health condition.
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In its guide, the DWP has explained that you are not required to be related to, or live with, the individual you are caring for in order to be eligible for the benefit.
However, as reported by the Daily Record, they are required to be claiming certain benefits as a result of their condition — and in some cases it needs to be paid at a specific rate.
Those who receive Carer's Allowance currently get £69.70 per week, although they can alternatively choose to be paid £278.80 every four weeks.
If you receive the payment, your other benefits may be altered as a result — though according to the DWP guide your total benefits will usually increase or remain equal.
When you get Carer’s Allowance, the person you care for will usually stop getting:
- Severe Disability Premium paid with their benefits
- An extra amount of severe disability paid with Pension Credit
In addition, they might also stop receiving reduced Council Tax.
Claiming Carer’s Allowance with State Pension
You are not able to receive the maximum amount of Carer's Allowance and the State Pension at the same time.
The DWP states: “If you get State Pension, you can still get Carer’s Allowance if this is less than your State Pension benefits.”
If the amount you receive through the State Pension is £69.70 per week or greater, you will not get any money through Carer's Allowance, as your Pension Credit payments will rise instead.
If you get less than £69.70, you will receive Carer's Allowance to make up the difference.
If you are not eligible
Those who are not eligible to receive Carer’s Allowance may still be able to claim Carer’s Credit if they care for somebody else for at least 20 hours per week.
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that can help with gaps in your National Insurance record.
The amount you receive through the State Pension is dependent on your National Insurance history.
To learn more visit the GOV.UK website here.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance so long as you and the individual you care for meet specific criteria.
The person you care for must already receive one of the following 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
Child Disability Payment at the middle or highest care rate
Adult Disability Payment at the standard or enhanced care rate of the daily living component
If somebody receives care from more than one individual, only one of them is able to receive Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You must be spending 35 hours or more per week caring for somebody else, which may include helping with washing and cooking, taking them to a doctor’s appointment, and helping with household tasks such as 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 £128 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.
