i'm a carer but have to go to a work focused interview

sharski

DX2 wrote: »

Interesting...so because we are lone parent carers we have to attend a WFI every six months, but if we were not LP's then we could attend every 3 years :think:

The WFI regime you fall under is determined by your underlying entitlement to IS...

If you are a LP, your IS will be paid to you because of this - Carer's Allowance is called a 'secondary' benefit so this will not be your underlying entitlement to IS. Therefore, you are seen under the LP regime as this is the 'main' reason why you're getting IS.

However, if your only underlying entitlement to IS is a top-up on your CA, you will fall into a '3 year trigger' WFI regime.

DX2

sharski wrote: »

The WFI regime you fall under is determined by your underlying entitlement to IS...

If you are a LP, your IS will be paid to you because of this - Carer's Allowance is called a 'secondary' benefit so this will not be your underlying entitlement to IS. Therefore, you are seen under the LP regime as this is the 'main' reason why you're getting IS.

However, if your only underlying entitlement to IS is a top-up on your CA, you will fall into a '3 year trigger' WFI regime.

I'm sure that will make sense to me in the morning

kingfisherblue

It's quite confusing because JC+ employees told me that once my youngest turned ten years old, I would have underlying entitlement to IS as a carer - my entitlement as a lone parent would cease to exist.

Sharski, just out of interest (and sheer nosiness on my part ), your signiture refers to your occupation - but what is it? Should it be something that I can work out from what you say?

munchings-n-crunchings

Try and use the WFI to your advantage.

I receive IS, as I have 2 disabled children, so do not come under the LP rules.

My fear, was that I would be maneuvered into something I either didn't want, or wasn't ready for.
This wasn't the case.
Anything relating to employment, qualifications or training was down to me to ask for.
Any being a carer for nearly 20 years, I felt it was time, to take a little time out, and do something for myself.
So I am now updating my skills doing current literacy and numeracy courses, and will look at doing something else at Easter. It's only a couple of hours a week, but it's something positive.
But it was all down to me. I had to specifically ask.

Make the most of the adviser, and don't worry,

Munchie

sharski

kingfisherblue wrote: »

It's quite confusing because JC+ employees told me that once my youngest turned ten years old, I would have underlying entitlement to IS as a carer - my entitlement as a lone parent would cease to exist.

Sharski, just out of interest (and sheer nosiness on my part ), your signiture refers to your occupation - but what is it? Should it be something that I can work out from what you say?

Hi..

I work in a large JC!!!

The reason for my signature was that a while ago we had a troll on the forum who suggested that if you work within the benefits system, you should not be giving advice on the forum!!!!!

Anyways... once your youngest reaches 10, you will still be classed as a LP as having an underlying entitlement as a carer 'exempts' you from the IS changes.
Therefore, you will still have to be seen every 6 months until your youngest is 16... or the rules change again!!!

pupsicola

Ive been to several of these. There is no presssure made to make you go back to work. They just talk through with you about your current situation and offer advice and help for when you may want to return to work.

weanie

I posted a quesion on another board but maybe here is the correct spot. I would like advice regarding a carer's calculation of average job income please.
I understand completely that £95 weekly is the total allowed but what if the carer earned a little over that in one week but had earned nothing for some months before and also if the work was not predictable or regular - I am really considering the potential for a carer to do a little supply teaching.
By virtue of the role, the individual has to oblige the agency with some flexibility and although this is a real challenge for a carer, the dual role can be accomodated with the help of other family members and friends on occasions. Even one day supply takes the individual over the £95 threshold and it is close to impossible to acquire portions of a day.
IF occasional work could be found, how would the income be calcualted? Average? Over which period? Anyone know of any teacher/carers?
Thanks

zzzLazyDaisy

I don't know the answer to your question, but my friend had the same problem, and ended up taking private students in her own home which has worked very well. She is a primary school teacher and takes children who are struggling, mainly with reading. I don't know if that helps?

weanie

This is an option but there are problems with this and would be a last resort. i have read somewhere that it is acceptable to take a spread of some time and average out the income received. Even the phone advisors are not clear about this rules and it seems you have to commit to an action and then appeal to a decision maker for the average to be considered. It would be nice to hear from someone who has actually experience of this process as it seems to be a bit confusing. Thank you for the suggeston though.