Need Advice Income Support - Carers Allowance

khublaikhan

Hi All,

I rang up to find out what benefits I could claim, been living off CTC for the last month - I had no idea I was eligible for IS and CA but the advisor said I was. I am married with two kids (both under 5) and look after my parents, one of whom is recovering from a bout of cancer - both get the higher rate of DSA.

The advisor fired questions at me and in the end I completely forgot to ask how much money I would be eligible for??

Also, she said I was to see someone at the Job Office in regard to me seeking work, appointment next week - but if I am caring for someone I do not see the point of this? I should have asked the advisor over the phone but I got the impression she was reading of some sort of list and any deviance from it seemed to confuse and frustrate her.

Essentially I am asking what I maybe entitled to given that I am married with two small kids (one newborn) to support plus caring for my elderly parents. My wife does not work (she is a full time mum). Also, why do I need to see a back to work advisor - does not make sense?

Any help appreciated.

DX2

If your parent/s get middle rate/high rate DLA you may be able to claim CA.

How much the law says you need to live on
Income Support: £64.30 = for you
: £29.50 = caring for someone
Total: £93.80

Income you told us about: £53.10 = Carers allowance

The weekly amount you will receive:
The amount the law says you need to live on £93.80
Less the income you told us about £53.10
total amount of Income Support = £40.70 per week

If you are caring for someone you do not have to be seking employment however you do still have to attend the JCP every 6 months IIRC.

kingfisherblue

CA is £53.10 a week. I'm a single mum and receive £40.70 a week IS because I get CA. I also get £168 a week CTC, which includes disability and severe disability premiums.

If your wife is not working, maybe the advisor was trying to be helpful in trying to get you back to work - is your wife not classed as a carer?

Your local Carer's Centre can do a benefits check for you to see how much you should be entitled to.

kingfisherblue

DX2 wrote: »

If you are caring for someone you do not have to be seking employment however you do still have to attend the JCP every 6 months IIRC.

DX2, I only had to attend the JC every six months whilst my children were under 10 (I'm a single mother). I was told that now my youngest has turned 10, I only have to attend the JC every three years, as I have an underlying entitlement to IS.

healy

DX2 wrote: »

If your parent/s get middle rate/high rate DLA you may be able to claim CA.

How much the law says you need to live on
Income Support: £64.30 = for you
: £29.50 = caring for someone
Total: £93.80

Income you told us about: £53.10 = Carers allowance

The weekly amount you will receive:
The amount the law says you need to live on £93.80
Less the income you told us about £53.10
total amount of Income Support = £40.70 per week

If you are caring for someone you do not have to be seking employment however you do still have to attend the JCP every 6 months IIRC.

What you have written is correct if he was single, but he is also married with a wife who does not work so the applicable amount would be higher.

khublaikhan

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies - I have clearer picture of what to expect and can budget accordingly.

Kingfisher Blue said: "If your wife is not working, maybe the advisor was trying to be helpful in trying to get you back to work - is your wife not classed as a carer?"

Unfortunately, my wife's relationship with my parents has broken down (roll of the eyes) - this happened about a month ago and up until this point she was the carer - I have taken over that role now. However, it was not until today that I realised that we could have got financial aid via benefits. Been doing it for years.

DX2

kingfisherblue wrote: »

DX2, I only had to attend the JC every six months whilst my children were under 10 (I'm a single mother). I was told that now my youngest has turned 10, I only have to attend the JC every three years, as I have an underlying entitlement to IS.

I still do 6 monthly

healy wrote: »

What you have written is correct if he was single, but he is also married with a wife who does not work so the applicable amount would be higher.

I really shouldn't get up early in the morning, it puts me wrong all day! Sorry OP my mistake

Indie_Kid

If they receive means tested benefits the person you receive CA for, will lose their SDP.

khublaikhan

sh1305 wrote: »

If they receive means tested benefits the person you receive CA for, will lose their SDP.

This is first I have heard of it and it was not mentioned by the benefits advisor. I would not wish my parents to lose any of their benefits on my account. My mother recieves Disibilty Living Allowance and Pension Credit - would these be affected by my claim??

leemack

Two things might be affected. Firstly one or both of your parents may already be claiming carers allowance or have something called an underlying entitlement to carers allowance. Either of these things entitle them to more pension credit, £29.50 a week for each one of them with CA or U/E.

Secondly if both your parents are on middle or higher rate DLA or attendance allowance then claiming and receiving carers allowance would mean they would lose a severe disability premium which is £52.85 a week (I think).

In theory claiming CA could cost your parents a maximum of £82.35 a week.

You need to talk to your parents an find out what they are claiming first.

anmarj

leemack wrote: »

Secondly if both your parents are on middle or higher rate DLA or attendance allowance then claiming and receiving carers allowance would mean they would lose a severe disability premium which is £52.85 a week (I think).

.

the couple rate is £105.70 per week premium, if the OP claimed ca for one then if they do received the HR SDP premium then only one would be lost. I would check what they receive in the first place in terms of premiums and then come back