Would having an Au-pair effect income support?

mummyplus3

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting an Au pair once I have sorted out all the income I will have.

I go to college 2 and a half days a week.

I posted a thread about getting Severe Disability Premium on my Income support which I am sorting out, but you can only get this if there isnt another adult in the house, So I assume I would lose this again if I had an Au pair over 18?

If thats the case I don't think I can afford one which is a shame but just wanted to check before I get too excited!

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Would the au pair be caring for you or your children?

salau2

It depends on circumstances as a general rule you cannot get the SDP (Severe disability premium) added to your applicable amount (in your case Income Support) if another adult lives with you. However, there are some (often complex) exceptions that depend on things such as who will be responsible for the rent etc… If the Au Pair is also caring for you for 35 or more hour per week then they may be able to claim carer’s allowance (subject to conditions) or someone else if you have a carer. That is if your SDP stops. If you still receive Income Support when she moves in and you are receiving DLA care (as it appears you are) then the Au Pair will be disregarded for the purpose of Council Tax Benefit. Also note that if the Au Pair does claim Carer’s Allowance she may be entitled to Income Support to top this up (subject to circumstances). Your local CAB or welfare rights could help with a ‘what if calculation’.

amorge

salau2 wrote: »

Also note that if the Au Pair does claim Carer’s Allowance she may be entitled to Income Support to top this up (subject to circumstances). Your local CAB or welfare rights could help with a ‘what if calculation’.

Hi, I'm not sure an Au Pair can claim for anything, they are paid 'pocket money' NOT wages and I know that I lost my single person occupancy when I had one. Will be interested to see what result you get from the CAB or perhaps phone the benefit people and ask.

salau2

Depends on the immigration status i.e. subject to circumstances. Cannot say without further info. Though if an EU national there shouldn't be an issue for CA. Income Support is more complex.

Oldernotwiser

salau2 wrote: »

Depends on the immigration status i.e. subject to circumstances. Cannot say without further info. Though if an EU national there shouldn't be an issue for CA. Income Support is more complex.

The money the au pair receives should make him/her ineligible for IS as the guidelines are for a minimum of £65/£75 per week.

salau2

Perhaps, but if the Au Pair is awarded CA then a carer premium would be added so may qualify for a small amount of Income Support. Can't say much though as no indication as to what money the Au Pair may receive and whether they are eligible for Income Support.

Oldernotwiser

Unfortunately the OP hasn't answered the question as to whether the au pair is supposed to be looking after her or the children. Caring for a disabled adult is not what being an au pair is about and it strikes me that the OP is trying to manipulate, the rules regarding au pairs, the benefits system and the NMW rules.

xoAmyox

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Unfortunately the OP hasn't answered the question as to whether the au pair is supposed to be looking after her or the children. Caring for a disabled adult is not what being an au pair is about and it strikes me that the OP is trying to manipulate, the rules regarding au pairs, the benefits system and the NMW rules.

I'm not sure that the answer to that question would make any difference. I have had au pairs in the past and they aren't always specifically for childcare.
The principal of an au pair is a cultural exchange, the care or role, so to speak, is a private agreement between the individuals.
Some decide to be carers for older people, or those who are disabled, they are not forced!
They benefit from living in the country (rent free for the most part), learning the language and culture, and generally preparing themself better for whatever they may choose to do in the future.

Oldernotwiser

xoAmyox wrote: »

I'm not sure that the answer to that question would make any difference. I have had au pairs in the past and they aren't always specifically for childcare.
The principal of an au pair is a cultural exchange, the care or role, so to speak, is a private agreement between the individuals.
Some decide to be carers for older people, or those who are disabled, they are not forced!
They benefit from living in the country (rent free for the most part), learning the language and culture, and generally preparing themself better for whatever they may choose to do in the future.

It really isn't the role of an au pair to be a full time carer for a disabled adult, particularly when it will involve claiming UK benefits and working for less than NMW.

From http://www.bapaa.org.uk

"Q What is the difference between an au pair, a mother’s help and a nanny?
A Au pair - The au pair programme is an internationally recognised Cultural Exchange Programme. It offers a young individual the opportunity to travel and live / work with a host family in a new country, learn a foreign language and experience the country’s culture. The au pair will work a set amount of hours for the host family, usually doing a mixture of childcare and light housework. The au pair may have some childcare experience and even qualifications, but an au pair is not a nanny and should also not be treated as a housekeeper.
Mother’s help – A mother’s help is a carer who has got a genuine interest in children, who works under supervision on the daily running of the household. The mother’s help will have at least 1 year’s relevant experience and / or a qualification. Duties regarding children will be according to their experience, the type of household and the ages of the children. An extra hand rather than someone who takes charge. Depending on the childcare responsibilities expected, they will be able to help around the house with light housework and run errands. If she is experienced and confident enough, she can take sole charge of the children at times. Unlike most nannies, mothers’ helps will normally do some light housework (dusting, hoovering etc).
Nanny - A nanny is a qualified and / or experienced childcarer who works in the setting of the family’s home, either live-in or out. The nanny is able to assume the responsibility of sole charge of young children. They are professionals and therefore expect a permanent contract with normal working conditions i.e. annual salary plus bonuses, overtime, paid holiday and their salary is subject to national insurance etc . Apart for doing childcare, they will usually only do child-related housework.
Please note that, for 2011-12, UK income tax is payable on income over £7,475 per annum. National Insurance contributions are also payable on income over approximately £102 per week.
Families are responsible for ensuring these contributions are paid.
Please check with the HMRC for further information (website https://www.hmrc.gov.uk).
****""

Au pairs can help with the elderly and/or the disabled but not by caring for someone for 35 hours a week.