Claiming Carers Allowance

Beenie

I receive the higher rate of PIP for both daily needs and mobility. My husband looks after me, but doesn't think of himself, or want to acknowledge, that he is a carer. 

I am wondering about a claim for Carers Allowance, but don't want to go through a rigmarole in order to be turned down. Can anyone advise what they think the likely outcome will be for a retired 65 year old claimant, not in receipt of state pension until September this year, but in receipt of a works pension.
 Thanks

C.C.L.

It's not too difficult to apply for CA, but when your husband gets his state pension he won't be able to receive it. It's classed as an overlapping benefit, so really you need to ask yourself if it's worth it for 7 months. Although the fact that he's entitled to it and not claiming it can be beneficial, so check on sites such as turn2us.

Beenie

Yes, I wondered about state pension and how that might affect any carers allowance. Thank you for the info about turn2us, but it talks about financial hardship and that isn't our situation (both early retired on works pensions). That site might help others though.

Newly_retired

He could however register as a Carer and be entitled to an assessment of his needs, just as you are entitled to an assessment of yours ( for aids, adaptations etc).

Alice_Holt

An occupational pension is not classed as earnings, so he should qualify for CA from now until Sept when it will end due to receipt of SP.
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility
It's a relatively easy form to complete.
It would also get him NI credits for his SP, if this is relevant.

pmlindyloo

Just a 'heads up'.  Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit so may affect your husband's tax liability if his works pension + CA takes him over the single person's allowance.
But would agree that it would still be worth claiming until he receives his state pension.
Having an award letter for Carer's Allowance might also make it easier to get discounted/free entrance to some venues.

bigbill

Make sure he backdate his claim three month to get the full £66+ for the previous 3 months.