Carers Allowance Query

enzolondon1

Wondering if anyone can shed any light as to eligibility for carers allowance? My neighbour is carer for his spouse who has alzheimers and dementia. The wife receives attendance allowance. The carer has tried to claim for carers allowance only to be told 'your state pension is more than what you would get for the carers allowance and you are therefore not entitled to claim'?. 

I have minimal knowledge surrounding the benefit system but this seems awfully unfair. 

Is this correct? 

sammyjammy

See link https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/carer-s-allowance/carer-s-allowance-your-state-pension-plus-other-benefits/

Brie

yes if he is already getting state pension then he can't get carer's allowance as well.  He/they might be eligible for other benefits though.  If he's struggling he might be able to get attendance allowance too.  Other things to consider are pension credits and I believe they may be eligible for a council tax reduction due to her situation.  

enzolondon1

Thanks both.