Is it possible to claim carers allowance if also claiming UC and PiP

moneyworrier2021

Hey quick question.

I am going back into work with a new career after having to leave previous job to care for our son (severe needs) so won't be entitled to Carers allowance anymore. Would his grandmother who is going to take over a bulk of the caring allowed to claim it instead if she is already on Pip and Universal credit? Would carers allowance affect either of these?

Thanks

Famau

Yes, she could claim CA but -  from gov.uk website:  "Your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by an amount equal to your Carer’s Allowance payment".  However, as CA can open the door to other benefits, if whe meets the qualifying criteria it is sensible to apply.

moneyworrier2021

Thanks. We would love her to get it for helping us out but I dont want it to effect anything else she currently gets.

Brie

It may be possible to get a carer's portion added to UC.  It's not the same as the normal carer's allowance but because it's part of UC is less likely to cause any reductions.  If you/she talk to someone at citizen's advice they should be able to help with this more.  

Indie_Kid

Does the reason why she claims pip contradict the care shell be providing?

KxMx

If grandmother gets LCWRA in her UC, then she can't get Carers Element, the same person having both isn't allowed. 

She can claim Carers Allowance, but there will be no financial gain as it will be deducted in full from her UC payment. 

Rubyroobs

She does need to be careful as she's saying she's disabled enough to need PIP yet can provide 35 hours care to a severely disabled child. She needs to make sure those don't contradict each other. Also if she claims the LCWRA element of Uc she cannot also claim the carers element, as LCWRA is higher. Finally she can claim Carers allowance but as I'm sure you know it is deducted from UC in full so she's be no better off. If she is getting LCWRA then I can't see any benefit to her to claim Carers allowance unless she is short of class 1 NI contributions towards her state pension?

HillStreetBlues

Rubyroobs said:

She does need to be careful as she's saying she's disabled enough to need PIP yet can provide 35 hours care to a severely disabled child. She needs to make sure those don't contradict each other. Also if she claims the LCWRA element of Uc she cannot also claim the carers element, as LCWRA is higher. Finally she can claim Carers allowance but as I'm sure you know it is deducted from UC in full so she's be no better off. If she is getting LCWRA then I can't see any benefit to her to claim Carers allowance unless she is short of class 1 NI contributions towards her state pension?

The grandmother will be getting Class 3 via UC so state pension taken care of.

Rubyroobs

HillStreetBlues said:

Rubyroobs said:

She does need to be careful as she's saying she's disabled enough to need PIP yet can provide 35 hours care to a severely disabled child. She needs to make sure those don't contradict each other. Also if she claims the LCWRA element of Uc she cannot also claim the carers element, as LCWRA is higher. Finally she can claim Carers allowance but as I'm sure you know it is deducted from UC in full so she's be no better off. If she is getting LCWRA then I can't see any benefit to her to claim Carers allowance unless she is short of class 1 NI contributions towards her state pension?

The grandmother will be getting Class 3 via UC so state pension taken care of.

Thanks. Does that mean someone could just be on UC their whole life and still get full state pension then?

HillStreetBlues

Rubyroobs said:

Thanks. Does that mean someone could just be on UC their whole life and still get full state pension then?

Yes https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility

On Universal Credit

If you receive Universal Credit, you get Class 3 credits automatically.

There was an issue with Credits via UC not showing up on the system a couple of years back, but I believe it's been sorted (mine are now showing).

moneyworrier2021

Thanks for all your replies. Decided against this as it will probably cause more issues than it's worth