Carer's Allowance & The Work Programme

peter60

Sorry about this (have another thread running 'A4e But not on JSA') but would like to know if anybody knows if it is a requirement to take part (or go back) on the 'Work Programme' - so apologies in advance and hope someone can help me. I've search the web but am not much wiser really - from what I know I don't think they can but I'm not 100%

Last year I was on the work programme with A4e, I did get a job, but I live with an older parent who is in very poor health, shortly after starting the job the health of my parent worsened significantly and I had no choice but to step in (no relatives we are on our own) I left the job and subsequently my mother claimed Attendance Allowance and then I claimed Carer's Allowance.

Of course A4e didn't know any of this (I just informed them I'd left the job to care - hadn't made a claim for CA then)
A few months back I had a call from them saying I would have to go on the programme or I could have my benefits affected (they probably assumed I was on JSA again) I pointed out I was on CA and that was that. Yesterday I get a letter asking me to attend a mandatory appointment with them or to be brief my 'benefits' could be affected.

Those of you caring for someone know this already - its very hard, exhausting and worrying and this letter has made me very depressed. I don't do it for the money (£58.45p.w) but obviously I have to still eat and clothe myself. I do what I do because I love my mother and want to help her as much as I can.

I only receive CA and NOT the income support top-up Carer's Premium. The notes that came with my claim form make it clear that a 'work focused interview' is optional whilst on CA - only compulsory if I am claiming the income support top-up portion.

I know this is a long post and if you read it thanks for your patience and understanding - I need to really know if they (A4e) can oblige me to attend this appointment and ideally the rules around CA and whether there is a requirement to still take part in the work programme. Should I contact them again (it fell on deaf ears last time) maybe make a complaint?

Thank you for your time

mikey_bach

A WFI and the work programme on JSA are totally different.
An IS WFI is an informal discussion offering you advice you must attend but dont have to take up anything if you dont want to.
But its useful and when you cease caring you can take up the advice offered if you want, thats the difference
Its at the Jobcentre with a member of staff, who will go through everything with you
You need to claim I.S top up you are entitled if you fit the criteria, eg savings etc,,
you are a full time carer, you cant earn over £100, so no way can you work full time anyway...

Ring CA and ask them, I dont think you have to attend, ask them for clarification. I have never seen CA suspended for this reason ever
Then ring A4e and tell them

peter60

Thanks for your reply, funny enough I have the notes that came with my claim form for CA here is a quote

"While you are getting Carer’s Allowance, you can have a work-
focused interview with a personal adviser at Jobcentre Plus.
You do not have to have an interview, but the adviser can talk
to you about part-time employment or training. You can
arrange an interview at any time if your caring responsibilities
change."

quite clear its optional if you only claim CA on its own, only IF you claim the income support top-up Carer's Premium is it compulsory - here is the quote relating to that

"If you are claiming Income Support, Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance, you will need to have a work-focused interview as part of your claim for those benefits. Jobcentre Plus will contact you about this"

Also I agree with you that a work focused interview at the jobcentre is not the same as taking part in the work programme

As things stand there aren't enough hours in the day to think about looking for work - I had only a few hours sleep and have been up since 4.30 and I will be on the go now until the early hours again am afraid things start getting magnified when you don't sleep much.

red_me

All of my time on CA and IS i've never been on a work focus interview, sounds to me someone as got there wires crossed and still thinks your on JSA.
You have 2 options 1 phone them up and tell them to stick it up there !!!, well just call them and be nice and turn it down, you have more on your hands to deal with than talk to some jobs worth at JCP.
Option 2 go and see what they have to say, your not even claiming IS.
You really need to look into income support, but before your do sort the work focus interview problem.

mikey_bach

You can be called for a WFI on IS if you are a carer and sanctioned if you dont
But even thought its mandatory you just have to attend and listen to what options may be available
OP I would claim IS if entitled,