Transferring Carer's Allowance, Help

TomFletcher

I'm Tom.

Hello, I am currently receiving ESA and DLA due to depression and anxiety.
I am looking to take over as carer for my friend (we live together), one of their family members is the current carer and is claiming carer's allowance.
I'm not sure how to go about claiming this, and don't know what benefits I will still receive.
Does anyone have any helpful information?

Thank You
I look forward to your responses.

marliepanda

You wont get carers allowance as such, but you will get a carers premium of about £35 on your ESA payment. It won't affect your DLA and ESA as long as caring for this person does not contradict the reasons that you are claiming to be unfit for work.

You don't transfer the carers, they stop claiming it and you start the claim.

tomtontom

Keep in mind that this may (quite understandably) prompt a review of your own benefits - if you're claiming that you cannot care for yourself, and that you are unable to work, they may question how you can provide 35 hours care for a friend.

TELLIT01

Stop the scaremongering. There are many, many cases where 2 people claim as carer for each other. Their conditions can be such that it is possible to do that.
You are correct to say that is may lead to a review of benefits, but if the rules have been followed, and accurate information provided there is absolutely no need to worry.

TomFletcher

Thanks for the replies.

Being on ESA really stresses me out because they hassle me for appointments I can't attend and have to be on the phone constantly to explain/sort things out.. I was considering coming off ESA and going on income support and then claiming carer's allowance, would that work out the same sort of money?

Many Thanks

Poppie68

TomFletcher wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

Being on ESA really stresses me out because they hassle me for appointments I can't attend and have to be on the phone constantly to explain/sort things out.. I was considering coming off ESA and going on income support and then claiming carer's allowance, would that work out the same sort of money?

Many Thanks

The appointments are to help you get back into work, surely that's a good thing as anxiety and depression can be controlled if someone seeks help.
You will still be required to attend appointments even on CA and IS.

nannytone_2

you would have to claim carers allowance before you could claim income support.
do you receive DLA or PIP yourself?

if not, a carers allowance/is claim would total around£108 ish a week, whereas ESA and carers allowance would total £135ish

kingfisherblue

Poppie68 wrote: »

The appointments are to help you get back into work, surely that's a good thing as anxiety and depression can be controlled if someone seeks help.
You will still be required to attend appointments even on CA and IS.

This is correct - I had my Work Focused Interview on Tuesday (I'm a carer claiming CA and IS). It was held at my local Job Centre. Although you can rearrange the appointment, you do have to attend otherwise you could lose your benefits.

tea-bag

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Stop the scaremongering. There are many, many cases where 2 people claim as carer for each other. Their conditions can be such that it is possible to do that.
You are correct to say that is may lead to a review of benefits, but if the rules have been followed, and accurate information provided there is absolutely no need to worry.

A loop hole that needs to be closed. It is just a way to maximise benefits. It is things like this that stop people from concentrating getting better and seeking work. Why work when benefits pay so well.

I think if somebody claims CA the care component should be removed from the person claiming DLA/PIP.

emmsie123

It's already been closed under uc.

Poppie68

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Stop the scaremongering. There are many, many cases where 2 people claim as carer for each other. Their conditions can be such that it is possible to do that.
You are correct to say that is may lead to a review of benefits, but if the rules have been followed, and accurate information provided there is absolutely no need to worry.

I think this is one of the elements that needs reviewing, a couple in a relationship both claiming for looking after each other when in reality that's what couples do anyway.... If someone has had to give up work to care for their partner and it can be proven its valid then imo that's different... You then have friends looking after friends who claim CA but in reality they have no expectations of looking for work and CA and IS is an easier benefit than JSA.