Carers allowance and JSA ib

LisaB85

My mum is currently needing care including cooking etc while I am unemployed but I'm finding it is putting strain on my ability to look for work and the area I could work as I don't drive having extra responsibilities at the moment mean that I would not be able to leave the house at 630am and arrive home at 730pm as would be required if I was to travel to the nearest city.

I can't afford to survive on jsa forever so really need a job but feel stuck, is there extra help I can get to take into account the extra responsibilities, any extra money would go on driving lessons to enable me to travel further afield for work then my mother could get carers in.

PippaGirl_2

Is your Mum in receipt of DLA at all? If she gets middle or high rate care then you are probably eligible to claim carers allowance and income support. You need to be providing care for a minimum of 35 hours a week however to qualify.

mikey_bach

If your mum is in receipt of DLA middle rate care or above, then you can claim Carers Allowance for her. You have to be caring for over 35 hours
If you get awarded this then you can get extra benefit in the form of a premium, called carers premium so you would be better off..
Its £32.05 i think extra..

LisaB85

She is on DLA higher rate for both components, just really don't know where to go maybe it will only be short term as she may get better but this isn't what I had planned for myself.

mikey_bach

As said you can claim CA, and make a claim to I.S, if she is getting SDP though on her benefit she will lose this, but I take it you are living with her already so she probably doesnt get it anyway.
No you hadnt planned it but if you go down this route you could give her the care and support she needs, use the extra money for driving lessons, and in the end you will both benefit from this.

pmlindyloo

Also, if you claim carer's allowance you are allowed to earn £100 per week (after certain expenses and deductions are made)

See here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10012525

red_me

If u do decide to claim for CA and IS its a lot more money aswell than JSA, and you won't be needing to look for work and sign on. But if and when the pressure is lowered with the caring in the future, you could do a small job like pmlindyloo said you are allowed to earn £100 per week (after certain expenses and deductions are made).

mikey_bach

I.S is means tested benefit so if the OP did get a job and earned £100, the first £20 would be disregarded and the rest taken in pound for pound. So earning £100 would close the claim
But some part time work is fine

sleepless_saver

Has she been assessed by social services for home care and support needs? I don't know how old she is but this AgeUk link may help. If social services think you can provide all the necessary care then they will leave you to it rather than putting help in place, so best to make it clear just how much you can reasonably manage after jobhunting/working.

I don't see why you would need to delay getting some outside help until you have had driving lessons?