question re. carers allowance and housing benefit

j.e.j.

I've been advised to apply for carer's allowance, as the person I am caring for receives middle-rate DLA, but I was wondering if it would affect Housing Benefit?

At the moment we are both living on income-based ESA. He also gets DLA which I presume will be changed to PIP at some point in future (?)

If the slight increase in income because of carer's allowance is simply going to be taken off the housing benefit (which, of course, is means tested), then I think I may not bother, and just leave things as they are.

Horseunderwater

DLA does not affect HB at all. It is ignored - so worry not. However Carers Allowance will give you approx. £30.30/per week increase in income and that may well affect the HB, but amounts should stay the same overall, if you see what I mean. Others will be along who will know much more than I do. The reason that I state that amount is that you get what is called an underlying benefit amount rather than the full £59.75 if that makes sense. The IR ESA and the carers allowance cancel each other out - but you get the extra £30.30.
If you input the 2 scenarios into the entitled 2 benefit checker tool - it will give you an idea of the income to expect. http://www.entitledto.co.uk/calculator/entitlementcalculator.aspx