Carers Allowance

andydunf

Hello all,

Looking for a little advice.

My daughter who is 22 months old is one of a pair of twins. We noticed pretty early on that she wasn't using her right hand much at all. She was diagnosed with Hemi-Paresis Cerebral Palsy which affects her right side. She still isn't using her right hand much but it is a little better.

We applied for DLA for her and were awarded the middle-rate care compound. None for mobility as well she is still quite young so not sure how much it is going to affect her mobility yet.

Is it worth applying for Carer's Allowance for her even though she is just under two years old? Is there any restrictions regarding age?

My partner doesn't work at the moment due to looking after our twin daughters but obviously will go back to work once the girls start school. She doesn't earn anything.

My point is she obviously spends 35+ hours looking after our daughter but so does any parent looking after a young child disabled or not?

Thanks in advance.

[Deleted User]

mrc dla entitles a claim for ca,i'm not aware of any restrictions,but i could be wrong

marleyboy

I have a disabled Son who is now 5, He has been getting carers allowance since he was 2, so I don't see why not. It's a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained, the worst that could happen is they say "no".

nannytone_2

carers allowance is a benefit for the person that provides the care ... so i really dont think your son has been getting it since he was 2
OP... the middle rate care and the 35 hours + of care provided is all that is required for your wife to claim carers allowance

andydunf

Thanks for the replies.

Well, Looks like we'll apply and see what happens.

Three week response time I've read on some places?

Does it get backdated to the date that DLA is awarded or can it be backdated longer?

My daughter was diagnosed in May but didn't realise we'd be entitled to DLA until recently.

Very strange that no one really tells you about this stuff.

nannytone_2

it cant be backdated to before the DLA award, as that award is part of the proof required in order to claim

McKneff

You don't really know yet if you are entitled. You will only know when you apply and get a decision.

nannytone_2

mckneff wrote: »

you don't really know yet if you are entitled. You will only know when you apply and get a decision.

the entitlement to carers in this instance is guaranteed.
The child receives middle rate care and the mother, who doesnt work, is the full time carer.
As long as they are satisfied that the child gets at least 35 hours of care a week the claim will just be rubber stamped

pmlindyloo

andydunf wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

Well, Looks like we'll apply and see what happens.

Three week response time I've read on some places?

Does it get backdated to the date that DLA is awarded or can it be backdated longer?

My daughter was diagnosed in May but didn't realise we'd be entitled to DLA until recently.

Very strange that no one really tells you about this stuff.

Carer's Allowance can be backdated up to 3 months but the DLA award has to be in place at the time of the date you request the backdating from.

You must request this when you apply.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/caring_for_someone/carers_allowance.aspx

basicallymum123

and if you get child tax credits, let them know as you should get additional amount there as well

andydunf

Thanks for the help. We've applied so not sure how long it will take.

More tax credits too? Will update them too..

All just seems a little too much to be receiving. Don't want to have to pay loads back if I'm not entitled.

My job doesn't pay great atm but hopefully I'll be promoted in the next year or so.