Carers Premium

roy_harper

Hi,
I'm on ESA Support for severe depression.
I also look after my disabled relative who is on Higher mobility PIP and ESA Support for years.
I have been told by another relative that I could claim a Carers Premium.
I am worried that if I make an application that my present situation will change for the worse. I worry I'll be moved to Universal Credit, (not currently in our area).
I guess I'm looking for someone to say - just apply and you'll get a little more money for looking after your relative's physical needs.

calcotti

To get the Carer Premium you would have to claim Carers Allowance. Once awarded you will get the Carer premium (£36/week) included in your ESA but the Carers Allowance (£64.60/week) is taken into account as income. You end up £36/week better off.


You need to clear that the care you are providing does not contradict the reasons you are getting your ESA.


If the person you care for lives alone and gets the Severe Disability premium (£64.30/week) in their ESA award they will lose this if you claim Carer's Allowance.

sammyjammy

roy_harper wrote: »

Hi,
I worry I'll be moved to Universal Credit, (not currently in our area).

Full service UC is now live in all areas of the UK for new claims

Alice_Holt

"I also look after my disabled relative who is on Higher mobility PIP and ESA Support for years."

For you to claim the carers premium on your ESA, he has to be in receipt of a PIP Daily Living award.
Just an award of mobility will not enable you to apply for Carers Allowance.

roy_harper

Thank you for your helpful replies.
My relative lives with me and is in receipt of the daily living component and highest disability rate.
Please can you just confirm - if I go ahead will my Housing Benefit then change? I mean is the Carer's Premium treated as income??

calcotti

roy_harper wrote: »

Thank you for your helpful replies.
My relative lives with me and is in receipt of the daily living component and highest disability rate.
Please can you just confirm - if I go ahead will my Housing Benefit then change? I mean is the Carer's Premium treated as income??

If you get income based ESA you are automatically entitled to maximum housing benefit for eligible rent. As you will still be receiving income based ESA there should be no change.

roy_harper

Thank you so much everyone for taking the trouble to reply.