Martin Lewis appeared on This Morning earlier this week and encouraged half a million people providing care to check if they qualify for a benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), worth nearly £4,000 each year. The consumer champion explained that Carer’s Allowance is paid to those providing unpaid care of at least 35 hours each week.
The financial guru warned that the eligibility criteria is a bit “difficult” but urged anyone who thinks they might be due the £76.75 weekly payment and has an income of less than £139 per week to check now. He told presenters Holly Willoughby and Josie Gibson: “There are 500,000 carers in the UK eligible for Carer’s Allowance who are not claiming it and it’s a payment worth £4,000 a year.
“The criteria are difficult, if you are a carer for somebody in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment and you care for over 35 hours a week, you may be entitled.”
Martin added: “If you care for less than 35 hours per week you may be entitled to Carer’s Credit, which doesn’t give you any money now, but gives you National Insurance Credit which will help make sure you get the full State Pension when you retire.”
He also praised the work unpaid carers do, highlighting how they have saved the NHS and UK Government “a lot of money”. He added: “They’re not entitled to very much, but there are many people who could really do with that.”
Carer’s Week runs until Sunday, June 11 and aims to raise awareness of the great work done by thousands of people of all ages across the country who provide care for someone. It’s the perfect time to check our overview of the benefit to make sure you, or someone you know, isn’t missing out on £307 every four-week pay period from the DWP.
Carer’s Allowance claimants living in Scotland also receive two additional payments each year through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement which is worth £245.70 in 2023. The first payment will be made to more than 81,000 unpaid carers on Friday, June 11. While it may be too late to qualify for this payment, successful new applications made before October 9, 2023 will qualify for the December payment.
Check below to make sure you’re not missing out on additional support if you provide care for a friend or family member for at least 35 hours each week.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £76.75 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
The person you care for must already get one of these 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
If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states 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 £139 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
Guidance on GOV.UK states 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.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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