A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
Money and Benefits
Case Studies - Q&A on Carers Allowance
Pensions, benefits and entitlements
THE CARERS' ALLOWANCE - Your guide to what the allowance is and how to get it
What is the Carers Allowance?
The Carers Allowance is a benefit paid to people because they look after someone who needs a lot of care. It was previously known as the Invalid Care Allowance and it is available to all carers who care for somebody who is severely disabled.
Because of its effect on other means-tested benefits, it is not always advisable to claim it. It can effect both the person you care for and your own levels of income support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pensions Credit.
Who qualifies?
· Carers aged 16 and over - there is no upper age limit.
· Carers who are resident in Great Britain and are not subject to immigration control.
· Carers who provide ‘regular and substantial care’ to one person.
This means regularly providing 35 hours or more care a week. The care must relate to one person only. These hours include time for supervision, preparation, and clearing up, as well as assistance. Four weeks break from caring in any 6 month period are accepted, or 12 weeks if one of you has been in hospital. If two or more people each spend 35 hours a week caring for the same person, only one of them can claim.
· Carers who are not ’gainfully employed’ or in full-time education.
You are classed as ‘gainfully employed’ if your earnings are more than £79 a week. Earnings are ignored if you are working during a period when you are not caring e.g. because the person you care for is in hospital.
Full-time education means attending university, college or school for 21 hours supervised study a week. Supervised study refers to the hours spent studying to meet the reasonable requirements of your course. You are still treated as being in full-time education during holidays or any temporary interruptions, but not if you leave or are dismissed.
Carers caring for someone who receives the following benefits: either the higher or middle rates of the Disability Living Allowance care component, Attendance Allowance, or Constant Attendance Allowance. The allowance will stop if the person you care for stops receiving their benefits because they are in hospital or other special accommodation.
How do I claim?
To claim you can get a form from your local Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) office, or call the Carers Allowance unit on 01253 856 123 (textphone 01772 899 489). You can also fill a form in online at the DWP website www.dwp.gov.uk. DWP aims to deal with new claims within 5 weeks.
A claim can normally be backdated for up to 3 months, if you can satisfy the qualifying conditions over that period. In some circumstances it can be backdated further, e.g. if the person you care for has been subsequently awarded Attendance Allowance. You can also make a claim up to 3 months in advance, for example if you plan to stop work.
How do I get my payment?
Payment is normally made by direct credit transfer to your bank account. It is paid weekly in advance or at four-weekly intervals. It will normally be paid on a Monday. Awards can be for a fixed period, or indefinitely. If you are unable to act for yourself, it can be paid to someone on your behalf (an appointee).
People of working age who claim this benefit may be required to take part in a work-focused interview at their local Job Centre. If you do not attend the interview your benefit may be reduced or stopped. The interviews are meant to encourage you to keep in contact with the employment market and to discuss the options that you have for working or training.
Help from Southwark Carers
We regularly advise carers on their rights to benefits and the options available to them.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss the Carers Allowance, or any other benefits, please call: 020 7708 4497
PENSIONS, BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS - An example based on our average carer
The average Southwark Carer is a 58 year old woman caring for a parent with multiple conditions. The following is intended as an example only.
Income Support - As the carer is under 60, works less than 16 hours a week, and the person she cares for receives Attendance Allowance, she may claim Income Support. Her partner’s earnings and any savings may affect the amount she can receive.
Carers' Allowance - As her parent receives Attendance Allowance, and needs over 35 hours care, she may be entitled to this benefit. Telephone: 01253 85 6123. National Insurance Contribution Credit - For each week she qualifies for Carers’ Allowance this credit is paid to protect her pension.
Carer Premium - Because this carer is eligible for Carers Allowance she may be entitled to this Premium. This extra allowance will be included in the calculation of other means tested benefits.
Council tax benefit or Second Adult Rebate - This carer may be eligible for these due to her low income. Her savings and the other people living in the property will affect this.
Housing benefit - Due to her low income, this carer may be entitled to help with the cost of her rented accommodation. If she owned her property she would not be entitled, but might instead qualify for help with mortgage interest payments through Income Support. Telephone: 020 7525 1880
BENEFITS FOR THE CARED-FOR PERSON
Attendance Allowance. In this case the cared for person is over 65 and has needed care for the past 6 months and can therefore claim. The rate is different depending on the amount of care needed. It is not means tested or taxable. Telephone: 08457 123456
Pensions and Pensions Credit. The carer’s parent may be entitled to claim Pensions Credit. Savings may affect the amount.
Disabled Living Allowance. This can only be claimed by people under the age of 65. It is not means tested or taxable.
Incapacity Benefit. This can only be claimed by people under retirement age, who cannot work due to disability or illness.
HELP FROM SOUTHWARK CARERS
The benefits system can be very complex and time-consuming. For free and confidential advice, why not make an appointment with Southwark Carers? Telephone: 020 7708 4497
Social
Services Helplines
Benefits Enquiry Line: 0800 88 22 00
Benefits Agency - Kennington: 020 7820 5800
Benefits Agency - Peckham: 0845 377 6002
Benefits Agency - Southwark: 020 7902 8600
Out of hours emergencies: 020 7902 8769
The advice sections are currently under development and being added to regularly.
If you can't find the information you need, or have any comments or queries please contact us
Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.