Question about Carer's Allowance and Income Support

kingfisherblue

For the last five years I have been a single parent. I am also registered as my son's carer. I receive IS and CA.

Every six months I have attended a Work Focused Interview, as required for all lone parents who are on IS. At the last one and the one before, I was told that once my youngest turned ten years old, I would not be moved from IS to JSA (as other parents are), because as a carer, I have an underlying entitlement to IS. I was also told in the last two interviews that I would only be required to attend a Work Focused Interview every three years, due to the underlying entitlement. Before I became a lone parent, I had been receiving CA for five years and had never been asked to attend a WFI.

Today I received a letter requiring me to attend my six monthly interview. I rang to query it, as my understanding is that I am not due an interview for three years. The JC officer said that she didn't know and would ring me back. She returned my call and told me that I am still required to attend six monthly interviews because I am a single parent, even though I now receive IS as a carer and not as a parent to young children. She said that no one seems to understand the rules.

I know that if I don't attend this interview I could lose benefits, but am I still required to go every six months? The Carer's Centre didn't know the answer, and at the JC, it seems to depend on who you speak to.

So, can anybody help me please? I just want clarification on whether I am required to attend or not. I don't want to be told that I shouldn't attend any more (as I have been told twice), only to find that i should attend. On the other hand, my son has complex needs that are likely to increase rather than decrease as he grows, so I don't want to attend any unnecessary interviews.

Thanks for your help x

SingleSue

My lone parent advisor said at my last interview that we would probably have to meet up again (6 months later) but that it would probably be my last one for some time as the new rules came into play.

Not sure if she was right or not but that was the impression she had anyway.

Indie_Kid

Have you spoken to anyone at citizen's advice? There is also the benefits enquiry line - although I'm not sure if they can answer this.

merlin68

I also had to attend one, don't worry as long as you are getting ca for a disabled child you can continue on is, till they finish education.

sharski

kingfisherblue wrote: »

For the last five years I have been a single parent. I am also registered as my son's carer. I receive IS and CA.

Every six months I have attended a Work Focused Interview, as required for all lone parents who are on IS. At the last one and the one before, I was told that once my youngest turned ten years old, I would not be moved from IS to JSA (as other parents are), because as a carer, I have an underlying entitlement to IS. I was also told in the last two interviews that I would only be required to attend a Work Focused Interview every three years, due to the underlying entitlement. Before I became a lone parent, I had been receiving CA for five years and had never been asked to attend a WFI.

Today I received a letter requiring me to attend my six monthly interview. I rang to query it, as my understanding is that I am not due an interview for three years. The JC officer said that she didn't know and would ring me back. She returned my call and told me that I am still required to attend six monthly interviews because I am a single parent, even though I now receive IS as a carer and not as a parent to young children. She said that no one seems to understand the rules.

I know that if I don't attend this interview I could lose benefits, but am I still required to go every six months? The Carer's Centre didn't know the answer, and at the JC, it seems to depend on who you speak to.

So, can anybody help me please? I just want clarification on whether I am required to attend or not. I don't want to be told that I shouldn't attend any more (as I have been told twice), only to find that i should attend. On the other hand, my son has complex needs that are likely to increase rather than decrease as he grows, so I don't want to attend any unnecessary interviews.

Thanks for your help x

You will still be seen under the lone parent regime until your youngest is 16... once your youngest becomes 16, JC should check when you started claiming CA - if this date was BEFORE the date when the Jobcentre became Jobcentre PLUS, you are NOT required to attend any more WFIs.
However, if you CA claim was made after JC became JC+, you will be required to attend once every 3 years!
Your local office can confirm the dates for your area.

Hope this makes sense!!

But basically, you DO still have to attend with your LP adviser every 6 months or else your IS will be reduced..

kingfisherblue

Thanks everyone. At least the JC are moving the WFI into the community - they're using SureStart centres - so it means that I can get there in time without rearranging it. The WFI is just after I drop my son off at school, but it's only round the corner from there, instead of in town.