Thousands of people across the country receive Carer’s Allowance cash - but the payments could be stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions if certain changes are not reported to them.
The benefit is now worth £76.75 each week and, as it is paid every four weeks, this amounts to £307. However, many unpaid carers might not be aware of certain changes in their circumstances which, if not reported, could stop their payments and see them pay a penalty or be taken to court, reports the Daily Record.
Guidance on GOV.UK warns: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.” The main change that you must report to the DWP is if the person you are caring for dies, but there are several others you should be aware of whether you are currently claiming or have applied for Carer’s Allowance.
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Changes can include:
- starting a job
- starting or ending full-time education
- changes to your income
- stopping being a carer
- the person you care for no longer getting their disability benefit
- someone else who cares for the same person claiming Carer’s Allowance instead of you
- someone else who cares for the same person claims the carer’s element of Universal Credit
- changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
- If you temporarily stop providing care for someone
You can still get Carer’s Allowance if you temporarily stop providing care. This means any period when you spend less than 35 hours a week caring for the other person, however, the person you care for must still receive their disability benefit.
You must tell the DWP if you temporarily stop providing care and:
- you or the person you care for will be in hospital, a nursing home, or respite care for more than 12 weeks
- you stop caring for more than 28 days for any other reason
If you have been paid too much
You may have to repay the money if you:
- did not report a change straight away
- gave wrong information
- were overpaid by mistake
The DWP has a handy guide for people working and claiming Carer’s Allowance which covers flexible working, time off for an emergency, respite care or ‘short break’ care and advice on starting work - read the full guide on GOV.UK here.
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