With the cost of living crisis continuing to worsen, many people claiming money from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be unaware that they could qualify for an additional cash boost — as well as a Christmas bonus.
The UK Government has announced a number of one-off cost of living payments, including a £650 payment for people claiming means-tested benefits.
Carers may not know that they could qualify for an additional cash boost worth as much as £69.70 a week, or £278 per month, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
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Carer's Allowance can be claimed by people over the age of 16 in Scotland, England, or Wales who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for another individual.
To qualify, claimants are required to have earnings of under £132 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses. Carer's Allowance does not depend on National Insurance contributions and is not means-tested.
However, the benefit is taxable and as such can impact other benefits you claim or are intending to claim.
Additionally, the person you care for must claim at least one of the following benefits in order for you to be eligible for the money:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disablement Benefit Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child/Adult Disability Payment.
If you share caring responsibilities with somebody else, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance.
Those who receive the benefit will get an extra one-off £10 Christmas bonus, which does affect any other benefits you may claim.
While the DWP has not yet confirmed when the payment will be issued, it is usually at the start of December.
To make a claim for Carer's Allowance, visit the GOV.UK website or call the Carer's Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
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