Carers Allowance claim query

MrsBrooks13

I have applied online for CA and compared to the PIP application form, it was very quick and easy to fill in. 

I expected to be asked about my caring duties but there was nothing like this on the form. Once I submitted it, it said a decision should be made within 12 (possibly more) weeks and in the meantime I had to post my pay docket and pension statements, which I’ve done.

Is that it? Do I just wait for 12(+) weeks and get a decision or will there be another form or assessment undertaken at some point?

Spoonie_Turtle

Yep, you just have to wait for them to process it.

poppy12345

MrsBrooks13 said:

Is that it? Do I just wait for 12(+) weeks and get a decision or will there be another form or assessment undertaken at some point?

There's no other forms and no assessment. They never ask what your caring duties are either.

calcotti

Given how simple entitlement to CA is I have never understood why it takes so long to process the claims.

tomtom256

Small team and an add on job, to other benefit processing roles.

Robbie64

Until relatively recently it used to take a month at the most to decide on Carer's Allowance claims. However the amount of claims have increased massively in recent years which has also slowed down processing times.

poppy12345

I claimed CA 4 years ago and back then it took about 12 weeks, so the pandemic hasn't really changed things.

calcotti

Robbie64 said:

Until relatively recently it used to take a month at the most to decide on Carer's Allowance claims. 

I recall it taking longer than that in the past although it then improved before Covid disrupted things again.

Robbie64

poppy12345 said:

I claimed CA 4 years ago and back then it took about 12 weeks, so the pandemic hasn't really changed things.

I completed an online Carer's Allowance form for a relative in February 2017. The application was submitted on 09/02/17 and the decision letter was issued on 22/02/17. Based on comments here by yourself and others it sounds like it must have been pot luck how quickly it was dealt with pre-Covid. My only other experience in helping someone (the same person) claim CA was back in 2009 when it took less than a week! I just assumed it was a very quick turnaround.

The relative making a CA claim was in receipt of State Pension on both occasions so perhaps it was easier to make a decision (both times the person never got paid CA but did get underlying entitlement which increased Pension Credit).

rarees1

Be aware that on the old paper form the person you care for would be asked to sign that you were caring for them 35 hours a week at least.  As you have had to complete online, could it be that they will write to the person you are caring for to confirm it?  If that person is claiming means tested benefits, they will lose the equivalent of what you receive in their own benefits, (so it could take them below the means tested benefits limits,) except that if they are getting housing benefit or council tax support, this help will also reduce.  Sometimes between you and the cared for person, it's better for them to receive the full amount of their entitlement and for them to pay you directly.  

Best to check if you haven't already.  

calcotti

rarees1 said:

If that person is claiming means tested benefits, they will lose the equivalent of what you receive in their own benefits 

That is a misleading statement which is written as if it applies in all cases. The person being cared for will only lose money if they have a Severe Disability Premium included in a legacy benefit.