Benefits for being a carer 9 January 2013 at 10:36AM in Over 50s MoneySaving 13 replies 2.2K views

hadenmaiden

Another thing to be aware of [don't think it's been mentioned yet] is that someone can't claim Carer's Allowance if they are in receipt of Age Related State Pension - the benefits are not caompatible, and you get the retirement pension rather than the Carer's Allowance because it's a higher amount. You can earn up to £100 a week and still qualify for Carer's Allowance.
It's also worth remembering that the overhaul of the benefits system will be bringing major changes later this year. Attendance Allowance won't be affected at this stage, but Universal Benefit could make a difference to your Employnemt Support Allowance [what was incapacity benefit] Definitely a full benefits check is a wise move - if you can't get an appointment at one of the places already mentioned, then DIAL should be able to do one for you.

lijaloo

Did Social Services assess you as a carer? You might be able to get some support that way, not financial as such but to give you a break.

Mojisola

hadenmaiden wrote: »

Another thing to be aware of [don't think it's been mentioned yet] is that someone can't claim Carer's Allowance if they are in receipt of Age Related State Pension

You can - sort of. If you are getting your state pension and are a carer and your income is below a certain level, you can get an "underlying entitlement" to CA. It isn't the full amount but it's worth getting.