Am I entitled to Carers Allowance?

Hi
My husband has just been diagnosed as Bipolar. Does anyone know if I am entitled to Carers Allowance? he is 73 and I am a home with him full time.

We do not claim any benefits.

Thank you
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Comments

  • HarryS wrote: »
    Hi
    My husband has just been diagnosed as Bipolar. Does anyone know if I am entitled to Carers Allowance? he is 73 and I am a home with him full time.

    We do not claim any benefits.

    Thank you

    Is your husband claiming attendance allowance? if so then yes.
  • fogartyblue.
    fogartyblue. Posts: 482 Forumite
    edited 16 April 2012 at 7:29PM
    HarryS wrote: »
    Hi
    My husband has just been diagnosed as Bipolar. Does anyone know if I am entitled to Carers Allowance? he is 73 and I am a home with him full time.

    We do not claim any benefits.

    Thank you

    Only if he was successful in making a claim for Attendance Allowance.

    He would have to show that he has care needs that he needs help with as well as provide evidence that those needs actually exist.

    Having BP is not the reason for making a claim. The needs arising from it are. The qualifying criteria is quite complex.

    From memory, he would have to be in the top end of the moderate range or in the severe range to qualify.

    Give this number a ring and they will help him through the process 0800 882200 - they are open 8.30 - 6.30 Monday to Friday.
  • HarryS
    HarryS Posts: 93
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    Is your husband claiming attendance allowance? if so then yes.


    No he is not claiming attendance allowance.
  • HarryS
    HarryS Posts: 93
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    Thank you Fogartyblue, very helpful. I will call them tomorrow
  • HB58
    HB58 Posts: 1,787 Forumite
    You would only be able to claim carers allowance if your husband is awarded AA.
  • irishjohn
    irishjohn Posts: 1,349
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    Is there not also an age limit for carers allowance? I thought you have to be under pension age to be eligible?
    John
  • irishjohn wrote: »
    Is there not also an age limit for carers allowance? I thought you have to be under pension age to be eligible?

    No, you can claim over state pension age. However carers allowance is an overlapping benefit with state pension. So if the OP is receiving more in pension than the carers allowance would be there will be no extra money. (Sometimes there would be more money because of the impact on other benefits, but they are not receiving any other benefits.)

    OP's partner should apply for attendance allowance. If he gets it then do a benefits check and see if it is worth applying for carers allowance (which is a lot easier to apply for than AA).
  • HarryS
    HarryS Posts: 93
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    Hubby has state pension but I am 55 so do not receive any pension/benefits
  • Remind me not to try and help someone again.
  • irishjohn
    irishjohn Posts: 1,349
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    HarryS wrote: »
    Hubby has state pension but I am 55 so do not receive any pension/benefits

    Definitely go for it then -
    John
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