how long did you wait for CA?

yummymummy1987_2

Hi,
How long did you wait for CA decision?
Also if you asked for it to be backdated, will they do the 3 months+ time since you applied?

Or only ever a max of 3 months even if it takes them 6 weeks to process forms?

Thanks in advance

pmlindyloo

Carer's allowance can be backdated for 3 months from the time you applied for it - you have to ask for it to be backdated - as long as the qualifying conditions were met during that time.

There is an exception to this when it may be backdated more than this. That is when the person you are caring for is awaiting a decision on their PIP/AA. As long as you apply within 3 months of their decision then it may be backdated to when their PIP/AA is backdated to (ie. the cared for's application date)

Reading your previous post it seems your aunt has been in receipt of the qualifying award for some time so the exception wouldn't apply.

I presume you have checked that your receiving CA will not affect your aunt's benefits?

yummymummy1987_2

Thank you for your reply. Can you confirm which benefits it would affect?
I was not made aware by the Social worker that it would affect anything?
She gets dla middle rate, SDA and one other which I will have to dig out the paper work for. She has been in receipt of benefits since birth due to her disability. Lives with grandparents

TIA

yummymummy1987_2

I will call CA tomorrow to query but my nan has just told me she used to claim CA whilst my aunt was on these same benefits. She did however have to stop claiming CA when she took her pensions. Will cancel claim if it will affect her money.

pmlindyloo

Most people on SDA have been transferred to ESA.

If someone is on an income based benefit and receive the correct qualifying DLA benefit then they may be entitled to various premiums. The one that is affected by CA is the Severe disability premium which you receive with your means tested benefit if you have at least mid rate care DLA, live alone (or treated as living alone ) and no one is receiving CA for them.

I am not familiar with SDA so you are correct that you should (eventually) telephone CA unit.

However, I suggest, before you call them you find out exactly what benefits your aunt is receiving and whether she has any disability premiums added to her claim (her award letter should tell you) and, if there is a telephone number for SDA, you contact them and ask about your claiming CA and whether it will affect your aunt's benefits.

Not a lot of information about SDA as most people have been migrated to ESA.

It is possible that when your aunt is transferred to ESA (and depending on her living circumstances) you may have to reconsider your claim for CA.