Carer's Allowance Question

Elvisia

I do find it odd that some people claim the allowance when they're not really carers as such, the example I am thinking of is my friend whose brother has mental health issues, and she is able to claim CA because she sometimes looks after him. I suspect she claims it more to get the money than anything else, as she kept pushing me to claim it. I really can't see how she does 35 hours of caring. Anyway - I wasn't sure if I did 35 hours a week, then I added it up and realise I do way more than that. I live with my sick dad and most nights I am up with him, so if you add in all the night time stuff too it's way over 35 hours! Even just the lying in bed listening to make sure he hasn't fallen over when he goes to the toilet/decides to get a glass of water. I wish I had known this and claimed before.

Byatt

[STRIKE] I am sure I read something recently that said if you do not live with the person being cared for, you have to spend more than 24hrs with them 8 times a month. I have it in favourites somewhere but too tired to look right now, so will try and check over the next couple of days.[/STRIKE] Ignore, I can't find it now, so may have misread.

My health has worsened as a result of being a carer (I do not get CA, I am self employed seasonally), so it's a chicken and egg situation. Remember to let your medical centre know you are caring, as you should be seen sooner, (credit to another mse'r for that info), they may do a review , ask reception. I had one a year or so ago, but don't know if they are standard.

Carer's save the govt billions. I would give almost anything not to be a carer, not because I don't love the person I'm caring for, but my life would be so much easier and simpler. Finding work to fit into caring is pretty hard hence me becoming self employed. I would love to go to a 9-5 job.

Mojisola

Byatt wrote: »

I am sure I read something recently that said if you do not live with the person being cared for, you have to spend more than 24hrs with them 8 times a month. I have it in favourites somewhere but too tired to look right now, so will try and check over the next couple of days.

I'd be interested in seeing this link because I've never heard it before.

Byatt

Mojisola wrote: »

I'd be interested in seeing this link because I've never heard it before.

Yes, I'll try and find it. I don't retain things so may have it wrong, but I was checking as my DD lives separately from me. Off to hunt now, before I take *my* meds!

edit: can't find it. Losing the will to live. I will try again tomorrow. Can't believe I didn't save it! Thought I had.

fogartyblue.

Anubis wrote: »

THANK YOU. Been trying to explain this but someone fails to grasp that pensioners both on AA, both claiming carers, cannot claim any severe, enhanced or the disability premium......

I think we have this sorted now.

The disabled person would lose their enhanced premium only and if Carers Allowance is in payment. If it is not and there is only an underlying entitlement, they will not.

fogartyblue.

Elvisia wrote: »

I do find it odd that some people claim the allowance when they're not really carers as such, the example I am thinking of is my friend whose brother has mental health issues, and she is able to claim CA because she sometimes looks after him. I suspect she claims it more to get the money than anything else, as she kept pushing me to claim it. I really can't see how she does 35 hours of caring. Anyway - I wasn't sure if I did 35 hours a week, then I added it up and realise I do way more than that. I live with my sick dad and most nights I am up with him, so if you add in all the night time stuff too it's way over 35 hours! Even just the lying in bed listening to make sure he hasn't fallen over when he goes to the toilet/decides to get a glass of water. I wish I had known this and claimed before.

Yes this particular benefit is wide open to abuse.
It relies entirely on the 'honesty umm gulp' of the claimant and the disabled person.