Universal credit & carers element

TJ77

Mine and my husbands situation is changing greatly at the moment so I'm just trying to find out about carers element.

I have had to give up work to care for our daughter full time so I claim carers element on our joint UC claim. (Thanks to those who helped with previous question regarding this)

That means I don't have work commitments etc. Does this also apply to my husband as it is a joint claim? Or does it just cover me as the carer? Im asking as unfortunately work are going to be cutting his hours, not sure by how much yet so not sure if it would trigger anything but wondered if he would be covered for commitments like I am.

Also (on top of everything else, like we dont have enough to deal with) he may need to become carer for his mother in the near ish future (she's diagnosed with dementia). If he does can he also claim carers element as it is for a different person? 

Thanks for any clarification you can provide

NedS

No, unfortunately you are treated individually with respect to commitments around work.

Your husband will be expected to have earnings above the single AET threshold (currently £892/month). If their earnings drop below this, they will be required to attend appointments at the jobcentre.

If your husband cares for their mother full time (more than 35h/week), then they can also claim the carers element of UC and like you will no longer be expected to work or look for work. If they are still working but also providing some care for their mother, but not full time and thus not claiming the carers element of UC, then the work coach can take this into account when agreeing their commitments, but they will still be required to attend regular appointments at the jobcentre

TJ77

OK, thanks.

That gives a bit of wiggle room for work to cut hours without added pressure from UC. We really don't need extra pressure at the moment. Just trying to get through!

We're hoping he won't have to be carer for a while but obviously no idea how quickly she will deteriorate so want to understand how all the changes will affect us. 

poppy12345

As you maybe aware his mother will need to be receiving a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living, DLA mid/high rate care or AA for him to claim Carers element. 

He should also check what other benefits she’s claiming, if she’s claiming certain means tested benefits these may include Severe Disability Premium, if she lives alone or treated as living alone. Claiming carers element would end the SDP. (Known as SDA in Pension Credit) 

TJ77

Yes I knew about needing pip or equivalent and we are onto that at moment, wasn't aware of the other aspect. It's a minefield and feel we have no control over things, work dropping his hours, how or when she will need full time caring, etc etc. I like to have a plan going forward so I know what I'm dealing with hence the questions! 

NedS

TJ77 said:

Yes I knew about needing pip or equivalent and we are onto that at moment, wasn't aware of the other aspect. It's a minefield and feel we have no control over things, work dropping his hours, how or when she will need full time caring, etc etc. I like to have a plan going forward so I know what I'm dealing with hence the questions! 

Absolutely right, it is far better to be prepared and knowledge is half the battle. Here's hoping things work out OK for you and your husband.

8dayweek

TJ77 said:

OK, thanks.

That gives a bit of wiggle room for work to cut hours without added pressure from UC. We really don't need extra pressure at the moment. Just trying to get through!

We're hoping he won't have to be carer for a while but obviously no idea how quickly she will deteriorate so want to understand how all the changes will affect us. 

How old are your Children? 

As you are a Carer there are no work search requirements for you but depending on your Children’s ages you may be able to lessen your Husband’s work search requirements by putting them down as the “main carer” for the Children. 

TJ77

They are older 16 and 13, so wouldnt have thought so, I imagine that's for younger children isn't it?