Carers Allowance

SEE

Is it true that those who have been carers for more than 15yrs are entitled to the allowance for life even when they stop caring? Its a new one to me, but I met someone who was told they were.

Own_My_Own

I'm not expert, but from reading this article I would very much doubt it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21432659

oldhand

Sincerely hope not or the systems worse than I thought......:(

SEE

Own_My_Own wrote: »

I'm not expert, but from reading this article I would very much doubt it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21432659

Thank you for that, I hadn't read about it before. Its interesting on many levels, because people may not be able to afford to care, or want to care without the extra bit of money. They could go out to work and not ruin their own health looking after someone else. It means many thousands of pounds per month spent on people with disabilities moving into care homes instead? At least the private sector will make a killing at their expense, so nothing lost there then.

SEE

oldhand wrote: »

Sincerely hope not or the systems worse than I thought......:(

They assumed that having cared for over 15yrs and destroying their back in the process that there was a benefit for them, but as for things being worse than you thought. Surely this is far worse than someone who gives up life and career to care?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mohamed-salim-sudan-war-criminal-1759679

anmarj

this came in 2002, it may be that they are paid against these rules in which they have to satisfy a different set of rules.

'Continuation for life' rule - implications before 28th October 2002

Most of these changes are straightforward but the abolition of the 'continuation for life' rule means people should consider acting before October 2002. Here we explain the rule and what to do.
The 'continuation for life' rule: Before 28 October 2002, if someone is entitled to ICA before their 65th birthday , it can continue to be paid beyond their 65th birthday. Once they have passed this age, the ICA would continue for life - even if they stop caring for that person.
But, the 'continuation for life rule' will stop from 28th October 2002. this means that where someone makes a new claim for ICA from 28th October 2002, if that person subsequently stops caring, then the ICA will stop. It will not matter if they are under or over 65. The only concession is that the ICA will continue for 8 weeks where the cared for person has died.
Transitional protection
Those who got ICA before 28th October 2002 will come under the old rules i.e. If they continue to get ICA beyond their 65th birthday, they will get it for life - even if they subsequently stop caring. They will continue to satisfy the 'continuation for life' rule.
What carers should do before 28th October 2002

Implications for ICA:
It is important that carers who are not on ICA consider getting this transitional protection by claiming ICA before 28th October 2002. But see 'danger' below.
Implications for other benefits:
This transitional protection also has implications for possible entitlement to Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. If a person gets ICA, they may attract an increase in these benefits - called a 'carer premium'. It is presently worth £24.80 a week.
Even more complicated is the 'overlapping benefit rule'
ICA may not payable if it "overlaps" with another 'earnings replacement benefit'. For example a higher amount of Retirement Pension. So even though ICA may not actually be paid, there is an 'underlying entitlement' to it. And it will still attract the 'carer premium'.
It is important that people who are carers and not claiming ICA should consider claiming it - before 28th October 2002. But see 'danger' below.

sheep-ali

My mother was the sole carer for my disabled brother. When she was no longer fit & someone else was doing the job, I called to inform the dwp & was told that she should not give up her carer's allowance as she was entitled to it for life even if my brother died before she did.
I was astounded but I then discovered that my brother could not get ILA if my mother was still getting carer's allowance so we gave it up.
A ridiculous system.