Carer's Allowance - status with TC Dep't

welshcakes

Hellooo peeps!

Well I hope one of you smartie pants can offer definition to a question that the Tax Credits Office meekly tod me they couldn't answer!

I am a f/t carer for disabled partner. I have just made an online application for Carer's Allowance because we are really struggling to meet obligations since I gave up work last year to look after OH.

Whilst speaking with TaxCredits yesterday about the fact that for the last few weeks I've receved no CTC and upon them responding that they had no idea why but they would send me out a form for me to complete and return and then they would look at it (gee thanks, why not just send the CTC), I asked another question...

I asked them to confirm that when I start receiving Carer's Allowance, I need to let them know because it's a taxable income. They say yes but that the household income for the year would still remain low enough that it won't affect my CTC.

Okay, so I say to them, well if it's a taxable income and I'm working at least 35 hours a week in this income generating role, surely it should qualify me to claim WTC. This is where the lines went quiet. Ummm, she says, I'm afraid that's not our department, you'd have to ask DWP or your local Inland Revenue Office. But, I say, I'm asking speficially about whether my paid work as a f/t carer qualifies me for WTC - it is your department and I don't see how another branch of civil service can answer it if TC themselves don't know.

She put down the phone on me ... so I guess she didn't know the answer.

Any theories?

Hapless_2

If you get carers you need to claim income support, you will only get tax credits if you have children (child tax credits). you will not get working tax credits are you are not working (according to the govt. We know different don't we). you can apply for income support the same day you claim carers allowance..claim it NOW don't lose money by delaying.

DazzerG

I believe Carers Allowance is provided because you cant work due to having to look after someone.

Hapless_2

DazzerG wrote: »

I believe Carers Allowance is provided because you cant work due to having to look after someone.

you can work part time, just not too many hours or earn over £87 a week

welshcakes

Thank you for the replies, knew some reasoned answers would eminate

I can't work outside of the house because I am a f/t carer in every sense of the word ... it is my job/task/role for the rest of my/his life.

It's just confusing because I do the job of a f/t community nurse/social worker/psychologist rolled into one and whilst I don't expect to be paid their wage level, it seems logical that I should at least be recognised for being in an incomed role over 35 hours a week.

Carer's Allowance is considered a taxalbe income when it comes down to reducing any other benefits/entitlements yet it is ignored as a taxable income when it comes to WTC.

I don't know, just seems like a grey area of inconsitstency to my little brain!

Well, at least I have applied now and I just hope it doesn't mean we lose more in HB and CTB than I actually receive in Carer's Allowance or I shall have to whittle me a paddle!