carers allowance

NoahsPennilessMummy

Hi
Just after a bit of advice.
my son is needing more care and the childcare arrangements are unravelling and I am looking at having to leave my 2 day a week job.
Am trying to predict how much money we would have to live on and sorting finances out etc.
When you apply for carers allowance how long does it take to get approved etc and how long till they actually start paying it etc.
Was just wondering how the gap will be between leaving work and actually getting any CA so I can plan when to hand notice in etc.
Have already checked and we meet criteria ..my son gets high rate DLA.

many thanks

Newly_retired

You can apply straight away as I guess you already put in the hours needed to qualify even whilst working.
Not sure how long it takes to come through.

cabbage

You can work and claim carer's allowance as long as you care for your son for 35 hours or more a week and earn up to £100 per week. Are you earning more than this now? If not and you still wish to work to could get both wages and carer's allowance so you wouldn't be without money while the claim is processed.

I would strongly suggest you go to CAB or similar to get a benefit check so that if you do end up giving up work, you are claiming everything you are entitled to. Go now so that they can check if you are entitled to anything in your current situation and then for your new circumstances if/when you give up work. They can check for instance if you can get an income support top up as a carer not working and then that might entitle you to some housing benefit and council tax benefit.

merlin68

Make sure you claim income support as well as you get a £30 premium, which entiltles you to your rent and council tax paid and free school dinners.

NoahsPennilessMummy

thanks everyone.
I dont think I will be entitled to it whilst working as I earn more than the £100 per week even tho I only do 2 days.
I dont think I am entitled to other benefits as my husband works full time.
I know the CA will not be anywhere near my salary but every little helps.

dmg24

NoahsPennilessMummy wrote: »

thanks everyone.
I dont think I will be entitled to it whilst working as I earn more than the £100 per week even tho I only do 2 days.
I dont think I am entitled to other benefits as my husband works full time.
I know the CA will not be anywhere near my salary but every little helps.

Your understanding is correct. Your CA claim should be processed pretty quickly, as the qualifying criteria has already been established.

NoahsPennilessMummy

thank you for all your info x