Claiming both DLA and carers allowance?

1511claire77

I have a dilema. I have M.E/CFS and I'm really struggling. I was housebound and very ill for 4 months last year and off work. I returned to work this year and working 30 hours, but this is killing me and I dread becoming confined to bed again as a result. I am applying for DLA. However, I am also having to care for my grandmother. I do not live with her, she lives with my mother, but my mother (62) is unwell herself so I am helping her. I stay there some nights and would say I'm easily there 35 hours + and wonder if I would be eligible for carers allowance? My condition is complex and the stress of my job, plus travelling etc is exacerbating my symptoms. I'm becoming severely exhausted. I feel so ill some days tryin to cope with it all.Not sure what to do! I've never claimed anything in my life, could I claim DLA for my M.E as well as carers for the time I spend with my grandmother?

rogerblack

You are not eligible for CA if you have earnings of over 100/week, after deductions.
This would seem unlikely.
Claiming DLA, while not in principle impossible is going to be at best hard, given that you are able to work 30 hours, spend 35 hours caring, and perhaps another 5 travelling
You may as well apply for DLA, but be prepared to be rejected.

lijaloo

There is nothing stopping someone receiving DLA who is in full time work. The questions on the form do not mention help needed to work, just what help is needed with personal care etc.

Dunroamin

You don't mention any care or mobility needs that you have so an application for DLA may well not be successful.

Heycock

DLA awards are based on a number of basic questions, none of which have anything to do with whether you work or not...holding down a job, or not, is irrelevant to DLA.
1. Do you have a disability, physical OR mental Health.
2. Do you need help or assistance with your daily living (especially night-time)
3. Does this include any help or assistance with mobility

You are then assessed on NEED, not whether you actually receive it.

In essence, an award of DLA is designed to put you on an equal standing financially to someone without disability.


There's nothing to stop you getting CA as long as you and the person you're caring for qualify under CA rules.