Recent analysis by Policy in Practice discovered that the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is nearly £19 billion each year. The research found that an estimated £2 billion in Carer’s Allowance is unclaimed by half a million eligible households across Scotland, England and Wales each year.
This means people are missing out on £3,991 in unclaimed benefits this year as the benefit, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is worth £76.75 per week, or £307 each monthly pay period. On top of that, claimants in Scotland will also receive two additional payments each year through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) which is worth £245.70 in 2023.
Successful applications made before October 9, will qualify for the next CAS payment due in December and DWP revealed on Monday that processing times for new claims are now taking just over 15 days, which means people could have their first payment by the end of July.
The information was shared after Lib Dem MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain, asked DWP about processing times for the benefit. Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, shared the latest data which indicated that in April and May, it was taking 15.2 days to process new claims for Carer’s Allowance.
The Average Actual Clearance Time to process a claim for Carer’s Allowance from April 2021 to May 2023:
- 21/22 - 38.9 days
- 22/23 - 23.1 days
- 23/24 (April and May only) - 15.2 days
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 can choose to be paid weekly in advance or every four weeks.
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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