ESA and Carers premium advice

simon1966

I am on ESA and have just been put into work group through mental health problems i have had for 20+ years.
Now my Mom has been plagued with mobility problem (severe arthritis) and gets Attendance Allowance.

We care for one another, i help and care for my mom and she helps me.

Should i be claiming carers allowance?
I live with my Mom and care for her full time 40 hours +.
Housework, washing and cleaning etc.

If i applied for it i know i wouldn't get paid as i already get ESA but would claiming it cause me any problems.

Would they say i can work and stop my money.
I think i have read if i am a carer i wouldn't be expected to attend job centre work focused interviews which i now have to do as i have been put in the work group.

I know i should appeal but i really am not up to the stress and aggravation this would cause me.
They have found me unfit with limited capability for work and don't expect a change within 18 months when i will be reaccessed.


Advice greatly appreciated.

Cpt.Scarlet

ESA and CA are overlapping benefits, so it will depend on whether you are Contributary ESA or Income Related, if the former then you should not receive any payment as your ESA will be the higher value, if the latter then you'll get the CA but an equivalent amount will be deducted from your ESA(IR), however, you will also receive the Carers Premium which is about £32/w more.

Claiming CA would be a change of circumstances so you will have to notify the DWP, whether you ESA will be effected will depend on whether your caring activities are at odds with your stated difficulties on the ESA50 you completed.