Feel trapped as a Carer

Towser

One in every eight adults care for a family member, friend or partner, often giving up their own health and wealth in the process.

This has happened to me by giving up my career for my loved one. I would do it again for them but still mourn my career. Especially when things are tough and wish I could have my old life back.

Even if I could find someone to look after my loved one how much money would I have to earn in my career to make up for all the benefits I receive as well as having to pay for care. I earn £100 per week part time for 16 hours per week so do get Carers Allowance.

We receive working tax credit, child tax credit, carers allowance, (bearing in mind the pension credits accruing as well) child benefit and DLA for disabled child.

So you see if I did manage to find a carer and a job that would pay all of that - How much would it have to be so that I am no longer trapped?

tomtontom

Who claims the working tax credits? Is it your child you are caring for?

Towser

It may be my husband?

fishybusiness

So you see if I did manage to find a carer and a job that would pay all of that - How much would it have to be so that I am no longer trapped?

£25 to £30k I should expect.

Towser

What jobs are there that would pay that? I ask because I used to work for the clothing industry and to earn that type of money you would have to have quite alot of experience and qualifications. That has been quoted to be an average wage. I just can't see it. If I was to change industry I am sure I would be back on minimum wage.

fishybusiness

If I was to change industry I am sure I would be back on minimum wage.

More than likely true, unless you have strong transferable skills you could demonstrate.

Have to say I changed industry a few years ago, ended up going the voluntary route for experience and even now can't see myself picking a wage near a previous career best.

I'm sure people do well in career change scenarios, but not everyone.

bll78

But surely you wouldn't need to earn all that? Your child's DLA and child benefit would be untouched on the wages you are talking about. The WTC and CTC would reduce depending on your income.
So you need to earn Carers allowance (£61) + money to pay a carer + anything you need to cover reduction in WTC and CTC. If you are already working presumably the person does not need 24/7 care. If so how much care would be required for this person for you to go full-time? If they need this care they may be able to access it through social services.

In theory increasing your current role to fulltime would cover everything but the care costs based upon current 16hrs =£100 so fulltime (38hrs) would be about £237.50. This covers the loss of carers allowance and any CTC and WTC reduction (which on this wage would be minimal).

Towser

Loved one goes to school and is cared for 1:1 all the time they are at school, the rest of the time I take over.

I don't think I can access it through social services.

fishybusiness

Loved one goes to school and is cared for 1:1 all the time they are at school, the rest of the time I take over.

Are you tied to school drop off and pick up times? Can make full time work difficult.

bll78

Towser wrote: »

Loved one goes to school and is cared for 1:1 all the time they are at school, the rest of the time I take over.

I don't think I can access it through social services.

In that case then could you work the hours the loved one was at school in a term time job? Realistically then you are looking at 20-25 hours if you could find a job that flexible.

Or you go full time and need a carer for about 10 hours a week term-time and full time in school holidays. My first thought is you'll struggle to find a carer as flexible as this, if you do you'll need to put aside about £10 an hour (including NI PAYE etc..), and more when you factor in holidays and sickness cover.

Which means although you could earn more than enough to cover the loss of your carers allowance, you couldn't also fund another carer to do the job you are doing. This is because carers allowance equates to less than £2 a hour.

Towser

yes thank-you I am glad somebody else is seeing what I am.

I was worried I was putting unnecessary obstacles in my way.

This is if I could even find a carer in the fairly remote place we live. I had a years search just to find somebody for 4 hrs respite a week and that is only term time. The person who has come forward is a diamond but due to their own family commitments cannot do anymore time.

Yes - tied to school drop off and pick up times too.