Carers Allowance Advice Needed Please

jamanda

I wonder if someone could advise me please.

My dad has had Parkinsons for several years (84) and my mum (82) has been looking after him. He is fully functioning in washing/dressing etc. but has recently become forgetful and on two occasions has had complete memory lapses, e.g. forgetting where he is when out and becoming frightened, and forgetting who people are (close family, including me).

To cut a long story short, my mum is worn out with the strain of having to watch what he does, and we are going to sell their house and they will move in with us asap. I have had to hand in my notice at work and wonder if I would be able to claim Carers Allowance to help with the finances, or if this is a no-goer.

If it might be possible, I would be grateful for pointers in how to go about it. I know absolutely nothing about the benefit system.

I would be most grateful for any advice.

Thank you.

Torry_Quine

If he receives AA then yes as long as you aren't earning and care for him for over 35 hours per week.

Mojisola

You can earn up to £100 a week as well as claiming CA as long as you're still caring for at least 35 hours.

jamanda

Sorry, I don't know what AA is

Torry_Quine

jamanda wrote: »

Sorry, I don't know what AA is

Attendance Allowance

examplesno1fan

Hi Jamanda if you go to https://www.carersuk.org you will find lots of information Best Wishes Suz

quietheart

jamanda wrote: »

I wonder if someone could advise me please.

My dad has had Parkinsons for several years (84) and my mum (82) has been looking after him. He is fully functioning in washing/dressing etc. but has recently become forgetful and on two occasions has had complete memory lapses, e.g. forgetting where he is when out and becoming frightened, and forgetting who people are (close family, including me).

To cut a long story short, my mum is worn out with the strain of having to watch what he does, and we are going to sell their house and they will move in with us asap. I have had to hand in my notice at work and wonder if I would be able to claim Carers Allowance to help with the finances, or if this is a no-goer.

If it might be possible, I would be grateful for pointers in how to go about it. I know absolutely nothing about the benefit system.

I would be most grateful for any advice.

Thank you.[/QUOTE)

So impressed that you are taking your parents into your home. Mine are getting towards a similar stage so I can imagine what a big decision it was.
Mine both get AA, I applied for it, I imagine your parents will qualify from what you said. You will then be able to claim carer's allowance.
All the best of luck. Your parents are lucky they have you. :T

SandraScarlett

What lucky parents to have you. :A As others have said, you need to apply for AA for both your parents and Carers Allowance for yourself.

There is the dreaded paperwork to deal with initially, and it might seem that you're providing identical answers to many questions, but that's just the way it is.

I wish you all the very best and hope everything goes smoothly for you.

xx

Mojisola

jamanda - As we always say on these threads - have they had assessments from Social Services and Occupational Therapists and don't forget you should ask for a Carer's Assessment for yourself.

jamanda

Thank you everyone for your help.

No-one has had assessments from anywhere at the moment. They've just "managed". I've downloaded a form for "AA" (now I know what it is) and will have a look at that for my dad. From what I've seen (just glanced, am too busy sorting house to make room for them) you have to wait 6 months from any award before claiming carers allowance. I'll have a proper look as soon as I get chance. It is a bit hectic here just now trying to get rid of all the carp you acquire so I can get them and their favourite stuff in.

Once again, thank you very much. Your advice is invaluable.

Jane

quietheart

From what I read you have to claim Carer's Allowance within 3 months of AA being awarded or you can't back-date it.
I think it's 6 months that your parents need to have had the problems with their health.
Make a claim as soon as you can, they may backdate to the date you applied for forms so it's better to apply by post if it may take you a while to complete them. And it is worth taking time giving all the details you can so you don't need to appeal a rejection.