Query about Income support

holmesgroove

Hi guys. Hoping someone may be able to offer advice.

I am currently unemployed, in receipt of Carers Allowance and Income Support. I was recently offered 2 days work per week, which 12.5 hours. I took the job. I realise that anything under 16 hours I still qualify for Income support.

My query is, what if on some weeks I end up doing more than 16 hours(leading up to Christmas)? Do I need to sign off, then sign back onto Income Support for every week I don't do more than 16 hours?

Also, am I correct in saying I can earn no more than £100 per week with Carers Allowance? Once again, what should I do if some weeks I do, although I'm mostly only doing the 2 days(12.5 hours)? Sign off, then sign back on Carers Allowance?

jfdi

As long as your NET income from the job is under £100pw you keep your C All, but ALL earnings must be declared to IS and will affect that - with the relevant disregard used (£20 - £5 depending on circumstances).

As far as the hours go - ask IS if they'll average them for you - they may not but if they do it'll make it easier to keep the 'puter system 'live'.

holmesgroove

Thanks for the reply

"with the relevant disregard used (£20 - £5 depending on circumstances)."

Not sure I understand this part, buddy?

Also, yeah I read somewhere that IS can average it over a 5 week period. Is that correct?

nannytone_2

the disregard is the amount of earnings they will ignore before starting to deduct from IS pound for pound.

a lobe parent is allowed to keep the first £20 of any earnings

a couple are allowed to keep the first £10

a single person is allowed to keep the first £5.

im not aware of earnings being averaged when it comes to IS

holmesgroove

Thanks for the reply.

Ahhh, now I understand the disregard point made. I will certainly be looking into the 5 week average also.

mikey_bach

For Income Suport purposes,
A carer gets £20 disregard on partime earnings,
and earnings are averaged
over five weeks if paid weekly,
three momths if paid monthly
and six weeks if fortnightly.
I.S should call for the payslips as above and average accordingly,
there shouldnt be a need to reclaim as earnings are averaged in
arrears and an overpayment will be raised for any periond where there was no entitlement

So just keep your slips and send them in when the send the letter.
As said CA has an earnings limit

bigbill

The normal working under 16 hours weekly rule (Allowing you to remain entitled to income support) does not apply to carers they can do much more than 16 hours and still be entitled if their earnings after the disregard still allow.