Carer's Allowance - Refused

pimento

Hi,

I've tried Googling this but can't find a definitive answer, so..

My husband is terminally ill. He is claiming PIP at the enhanced rate. I work full-time (I've used up all my sick leave).

My dad comes in every day to sit with my husband. My husband is 58 and my dad is 76. Dad does his lunch and because husband is bed bound does all the personal care and running up and down the stairs etc.

My dad recently applied for Carer's Allowance. He had a letter yesterday refusing his claim because 'he is in receipt of the state pension'. Should this preclude him?

pimento

Hm. Thanks. It's complicated, isn't it?

I read that link as saying that he can't claim Carer's Allowance but he could qualify for Pension Credit depending on his and my mother's joint income. Is that right?

Mr_Wilks

State Pension and Carer's Allowance are classed as 'overlapping' benefits, essentially they are classed by government as the same thing - a payment in lieu of paid working. So you cannot get both.

Pension Credit is a means tested benefit - maybe worth ringing DWP.

http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/help-with-money/benefits-a-tax-credits/carer-benefits-for-pensioners

pmlindyloo

pimento wrote: »

Hi,

I've tried Googling this but can't find a definitive answer, so..

My husband is terminally ill. He is claiming PIP at the enhanced rate. I work full-time (I've used up all my sick leave).

My dad comes in every day to sit with my husband. My husband is 58 and my dad is 76. Dad does his lunch and because husband is bed bound does all the personal care and running up and down the stairs etc.

My dad recently applied for Carer's Allowance. He had a letter yesterday refusing his claim because 'he is in receipt of the state pension'. Should this preclude him?

Does the letter say that your dad was refused CA or that he was unable to be paid it because of his state pension?

Basically to be eligible for CA you must care for a minimum of 35 hrs a week.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview

If you dad meets the eligibility requirements then because he is receiving his state pension then he cannot be paid it. They are overlapping benefits.

However, if he is eligible for CA and receives other means tested benefits then your dad needs to inform the relevant departments and tell them that he is eligible for CA but not receiving it as he is getting his state pension.

Being eligible but not receiving the money means he is entitled to a Carer's Premium (basically more money) which is added on to any means tested benefits (ie - he would get more money)

So, the questions for your dad are:

1. Is he entitled to CA but cannot get it because of his state pension or has he been refused it entirely?

2. Does your dad get any other benefits?

pmlindyloo

Your dad can put his and his wife's details into the calculator here and see if he is entitled to any other benefits if he is not sure.

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

If he is eligible for CA then he can see if the Carer's Premium makes a difference.

pimento

Thanks all. I haven't seen the letter just a text from my mum. Will have a look when I get home from work.