Carers Allowance

Beenie

I have the higher rate of PIP.

My husband looks after me (but hates the label 'carer').

He is retired aged 65, but on a company pension which exceeds the 'earnings' threshold.

Does this mean that he fails the means test and cannot claim Carers Allowance?

[Deleted User]

I know that state pension means you can't get CA I suspect any earnings over the limit would prevent it but someone might be along tomorrow who knows better.

bigbill

No, nothing to stop him claiming Carers and backdating it three months.

p00hsticks

bigbill wrote: »

No, nothing to stop him claiming Carers and backdating it three months.

Do pensions not count as income then ?

ThemeOne

This seems to spell out all the rules:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/carers-allowance?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-b7qBRDPARIsADVbUbVcp_8reY_MzzWQs_cuCKWBG6xkN0v_qX4tAV6dpIIfGvRRPvD47UgaAr2QEALw_wcB

poppy12345

p00hsticks wrote: »

Do pensions not count as income then ?

Occupational and private pensions do not count as income when claiming carers allowance.



If they receive taxable income such as occupational or personal pensions or part-time earnings you should inform the tax office about your Carer's Allowance, because it is a taxable benefit.


https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/carers-allowance

Beenie

Thanks. That's very clear.

calcotti

As has been said, occupational or private pension do not count as earnings. The restriction on claiming CA is that it can’t be claimed by someone in gainful employment and ‘gainful’ employment is defined by the earnings limit. Someone receiving a pension is not employed (unlike, for example, someone receiving sick pay) and pension income is not earnings.

Carer’s Allowance will stop at State Pension age if the State Pension is more than £66.15 due to ‘overlapping benefit’ rules but there will be ongoing ‘underlying entitlement’ which will increase the amount of any means tested benefits payable, if applicable.