Carer's allowance for my son but I also get PIP myself

poppy12345

nicdigby wrote: »

Thank you all.
If anyone knows about whether I should re-apply for pip using my ds1500 as per my secondary question, pls let me know. Is there any benefit - or requirement - to getting pip via a ds1500 when I am already receiving it indefinitely?

As you're already receiving PIP you can't re-apply. You're already receiving the highest award possible so there would be no point in putting in a change of circumstances.

Alice_Holt

NeilCr wrote: »

I've seen a number of couples at our CAB who claim CA for each other. And, I've never heard of any of them being queried either.

Unfortunately I have seen the DWP deploy this argument in tribunal submissions. Generally though, it's a indication that their case is weak. Certainly tribunal panels don't seem to attach much weight to this attempt at discrediting the claimant.

It crops up in this extraordinary (and rather shocking) case:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5982184/dwp-culture-of-contempt

kingfisherblue

nicdigby wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

I want to claim backdated ESA (C) because the ESA helpline told me twice in 2016 and 17 I was ineligible because I hadn’t been working.

Now I know I was always eligible due to receiving CA in preceding years and I have it in writing they agree that I was eligible. They say if I provide medical evidence for 2016 onwards then they will look at the backdating claim.

Do you mean that you are eligible for ESA (C) because you have had your NI paid due to claiming Carer's Allowance? Receiving CA is not the same as working when related to claiming ESA contributions based. My understanding is that contributions based ESA is only for those who have been earning a wage, not reciving a wage replacement benefit.


Perhaps Alice Holt or NeilCr (or somebody else) could clarify.

poppy12345

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Do you mean that you are eligible for ESA (C) because you have had your NI paid due to claiming Carer's Allowance? Receiving CA is not the same as working when related to claiming ESA contributions based. My understanding is that contributions based ESA is only for those who have been earning a wage, not reciving a wage replacement benefit.


Perhaps Alice Holt or NeilCr (or somebody else) could clarify.

When a person receives carers allowance the rules for working in the previous 2 tax years are relaxed. As long as the person has worked at any point in their life and paid NI contributions then this will allow them to claim New style ESA/JSA.

nicdigby

NeilCr wrote: »

Sorry.

I wasn't suggesting that you had a lift for your child. It was a random example.

We have couples - one with physical problems and one with mental health issues - who claim CA for each other. They provide care in different ways.

I know it was, don't worry. :beer:

nicdigby

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Do you mean that you are eligible for ESA (C) because you have had your NI paid due to claiming Carer's Allowance? Receiving CA is not the same as working when related to claiming ESA contributions based. My understanding is that contributions based ESA is only for those who have been earning a wage, not reciving a wage replacement benefit.


Perhaps Alice Holt or NeilCr (or somebody else) could clarify.

That's precisely the same mistake the ESA's own helpline assistants all make too.That's not the case. The whole point behind CA is that you can't work because you are caring for someone. And while you get CA you get NI contributions made as part of that which entitles you to claim contribution based benefits later on. I hope you're not a ESA helpline assistant as well!!

calcotti

nicdigby wrote: »

That's precisely the same mistake the ESA's own helpline assistants all make too.That's not the case. The whole point behind CA is that you can't work because you are caring for someone. And while you get CA you get NI contributions made as part of that which entitles you to claim contribution based benefits later on. I hope you're not a ESA helpline assistant as well!!

That's not entirely correct either. The NI credits you get while receiving Carer's Allowance count towards being able to claim ESA but they are not in themselves sufficient. The claimant must have actually earned above the lower NI threshold for six months in at least one tax year during their life. Therefore someone who been claiming Carer's Allowance ever since becoming an adult and never been in paid employment would not be able to claim contribution based/new style ESA.

nicdigby

Thanks Calcotti, that's great to hear, because it confirms my eligibillity.