£500 grant for those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance as at 31/03/2022 and who live in Wales

DustyBlues

Not everyone is aware of this - only 2/3 of those eligible have applied. It’s called the ‘unpaid carer support scheme’ and applies to carer’s in Wales.

Unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance on 31 March 2022 have one last chance to make a claim for the ‘unpaid carer’s grant’ if they have not done so already.

If you missed the previous deadline, contact your local authority to register before the new closing date of 2 September 2022.

What funding is available?

A one-off £500 payment is available for unpaid carers receiving Carer’s Allowance on 31 March 2022.  Eligible unpaid carers can claim the payment from their local council.  The money will help those who experienced extra costs because they were looking after someone during the pandemic. People who receive Carer’s Allowance provide over 35 hours of care each week and are on the lowest incomes.

Who can apply?

You will be eligible for the payment if:

• you were receiving Carer’s Allowance on 31 March 2022
• your application for Carer’s Allowance is in progress and your claim is backdated to 31 March 2022
• you live in Wales

You will not be eligible for the payment if:

• you have an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance, but do not receive a payment because you are in receipt of another benefit at the same or higher rate
• you receive a carer premium within a means tested benefit

How to claim

A final registration period will open on 9am 15 August for 3 weeks. You must submit your claim by 5pm on 2 September or you will miss out on the payment. You must register with your local authority to claim the payment. Do not wait to be contacted. This is the local authority where you live, not the one where the person you care for lives (if different). 

Each local authority has a registration form on its website and paper forms are also available. You can also register in person or over the phone.You need to register through your local authority. They will be responsible for checking your eligibility and processing your payment. 

Councils will pay all successful claims by 25 November 2022. 

You do not need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Carer’s Allowance Unit if you claim the £500. Your local authority can help with any queries you may have. 

If you are still experiencing severe financial hardship, you may wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund. 

Will the payment affect other benefits?

The payment will not impact any benefits you may be receiving.

The payment will not:

• be taxable
• be subject to National Insurance contributions
• be included as part of income when calculating entitlement for tax credits

You can find more info on the gov.wales website. Hope this helps someone who is eligible but wasn’t aware of it 😊

CosmoChic

Similar to Scotland's scheme, except in Scotland it is paid six-monthly (£250x2) and there is no need to claim as it is paid automatically.  

Go Wales!!!