Disabled person claiming their carers allowance

minimadtrix

Hi,

Not sure how to word this one, so sorry if the title is misleading.

I think I've heard somewhere that if a disabled person does not have an identified carer who claims carers allowance that they can make some sort of claim in their own right. Is this true? If so, is it still means tested - ie would it fall into the Income Support top up to benefits?

I have heard of a severe disability premium, is this a stand alone benefit or is it means tested? I've tried searching the DWP website but it's not very clear (never is when you're trying to find something out for someone is it?)

I'd be grateful for advice.

For information, the person in question lives on their own, claims IB, DLA care & mobility (higher rates) and also has a small pension of about £100 a month.

Thanks in advance for any help

dmg24

It is the IS SDP that you are thinking of, and this is means tested.

Robbie64

Income Support can include an addition called a Severe Disability Premium (SDP) which is payable when the recipient receives Income Support, Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or higher rate, lives alone and no-one receives Carer's Allowance for looking after that person. The SDP is paid in place of Carer's Allowance. As the SDP is part of Income Support it is means tested.

If someone else is paid Carer's Allowance for looking after that person then the SDP cannot be paid.