Carers Allowance- Weird Phonecall

Juicyloo

Hi,

I am in receipt of CA as I care for both my parents who are both in receipt of AA- Dad higher(really very ill) and Mum lower.

I just phoned CA helpline to ask if I can do a course at college from September which is 15 hrs over 4 days. Have had to really fight to get on the course which is access to HE in health, as would like to work in that field when my circumstances allow (if ever!) College are aware I'm a carer.

They said that I am not allowed to be studying more than 6 hrs a week at home as well as attending college. How the heck do I prove this?

I'm on call 24/7 for my parents, it seems a shame I cannot do something with my life in the meantime.

Robbie64

You can't get CA if you are a full time student which is classed as 21 hours of study a week

http://www.carersuk.org/Information/Financialhelp/CarersAllowance/Rules

However, quoting from the above the 21 hours is 'supervised study' but this does seem to include homework and revision:

You must not be a full-time student
If you study for 21 hours or more a week, you won't qualify for the Carer's Allowance. You cannot claim during any temporary absence from the course or during the holidays.
If you study less than 21 hours a week you can get the Carer's Allowance. Only time spent in "supervised" study counts towards the 21 hours. Breaks and private study are not counted. Homework and revisions may count as supervised study.

Oldernotwiser

15 hours over 4 days is a full time course so I'm afraid you won't be eligible.

The other problem is that Access courses are valid for a finite period so would not get you into university if you needed to leave it more than about five years after finishing your course.

Had you thought of studying something with the Open University instead?

Juicyloo

Yes thanks Oldernotwiser- it is actually a part time course as defined by the college- full time is 16 hours a week and over, and therefore would entitle me to claim ALG- if it still exists in September

I am in the middle of my second OU openings course, finishes september

Oh well, looks like I'll just have to get a life then and let my parents fend for themselves.

Can't put my life on hold whilst running round for mothers every whim and dad who is very ill. Looks like the NHS and SS will have to do something after a long 4 years. Have done it because I love them, but have to think of my future now.

Gosh 168 hours in a week- this only accounts for 50 of em!

Sorry for the rant- not directed at anyone.

As for access course only lasting for a finite period, was just using it as a way of getting out of the house- did o and a levels many years ago, so am more than capable, just wanted to not sit around and rot.:)

mum-of-3

Juicyloo wrote: »

Yes thanks Oldernotwiser- it is actually a part time course as defined by the college- full time is 16 hours a week and over, and therefore would entitle me to claim ALG- if it still exists in September

I am in the middle of my second OU openings course, finishes september

Oh well, looks like I'll just have to get a life then and let my parents fend for themselves.

Can't put my life on hold whilst running round for mothers every whim and dad who is very ill. Looks like the NHS and SS will have to do something after a long 4 years. Have done it because I love them, but have to think of my future now.

Gosh 168 hours in a week- this only accounts for 50 of em!

Sorry for the rant- not directed at anyone.

As for access course only lasting for a finite period, was just using it as a way of getting out of the house- did o and a levels many years ago, so am more than capable, just wanted to not sit around and rot.:)

Have you had an assessment done by the adult social care team for your parents?

Juicyloo

Yes, once when my dad came out of hospital after his stroke 4 years ago, then again at my request in March, which was when I realised I could have been claiming CA going back till 2006, but put a claim in then.

My mother refuses any help apart from myself- my Dad has vascular dementia as a result of his stroke, and is bedbound.

I'm 45, an only child and have just got divorced after marrying at 21.