Can you claim carers benefits posthumously?

DSmiffy

Hi there, I know this sounds like a stupid question, but my father passed away recently after a very long battle with cancer. I always used to tell my mum to see if she was entitled to a carers allowance but she never claimed, until about 2 weeks ago when she spoke to the macmillan nurse people. Nothing has happened with that, however my dad died last week, and I wondered if you could claim carers allowance and back date it if you should have been entitled to it, or is it just tough luck, you should have claimed it at the right time.
Please don't shout at me for this question, it looks a bit daft now I've written it down, however, Martin Lewis always says there's no such thing as a silly question.
thanks for listening.

Kimitatsu

Hi

Sorry to hear about your loss.

There is a case that you can backdate your claim up to three months but you have to be caring (present tense) for that person for 35 hours a week or more.

You can try to backdate it but I think you will find that your application is turned down, but on the other hand if you dont ask you dont get! It may be worth ringing them and having a chat with them on Monday.

HTH

robbiet27

Unfortunately you cannot claim carers allowance if the person requiring care has passed away.

The conditions of entitlement are you must be caring for the person at least 35 hours per week. If you receive Carers Allowance and the person passes away they will continue to pay it for a further 8 weeks and then it ceases.

Valley's_girl

I am so sorry for your loss.
Ally x

ickle_3

Hi,
I am terrbily sorry to hear about your loss.

However - you CAN claim Carer's Allowance after the Disabled Person has passed away. There is a 3 month backdating rule though from the date that Carer's Allowance receive your claim. They will only backdate 3 months and can entitle from that date if it is a Monday or the following Monday if that date was Tuesday to a Sunday.

I hope that has been of help.

Thanks