Carer Status

Bemmy2525

Hi, am currently working but have recently reported that I am a full time carer for someone that receives DL PIP. The following day I was sent new commitments and work plan that state I no longer need to be actively looking for work, I am massively confused as my commitments and plan are identical to my previous commitments since I work full time and wasn't required to seek work anyway, so am unsure if my caring has been confirmed. I'm just worried in case I quit my job and get sanctioned. Thanks

Robbie64

It can be a bit confusing, but everytime your circumstances change which could have an effect on which conditionality group you are in, you have to agree to new committments. In your case you'll still be in the No Work-Related Requirements group but you are now in that group for a different reason. This will generate a new set of committments to agree to.

You will be able to quit your job without facing any sanction. Had you continued to be in the no work-related requirements group simply on the grounds that you were earning enough you would have run the risk of being sanctioned if you quit your job.

You'll also receive an additional payment, the Carer's Element, in your UC, which is £201.68 per month.

Bemmy2525

Robbie64 said:

It can be a bit confusing, but everytime your circumstances change which could have an effect on which conditionality group you are in, you have to agree to new committments. In your case you'll still be in the No Work-Related Requirements group but you are now in that group for a different reason. This will generate a new set of committments to agree to.

You will be able to quit your job without facing any sanction. Had you continued to be in the no work-related requirements group simply on the grounds that you were earning enough you would have run the risk of being sanctioned if you quit your job.

You'll also receive an additional payment, the Carer's Element, in your UC, which is £201.68 per month.

My assessment period is the 11-10th of every month, I reported caring on the 13th September, I assume the Element won't be added until the 11th October -10th November assessment period.

KxMx

No it should be added for your 11th September - 10th October assessment period.

If it isn't, they will owe you one month's CE. Once processed, a letter will be added to your Journal stating the amount owed due to underpayment. The money will then be paid within a few working days. 

Bemmy2525

Thanks. I assumed you only got the CE on a complete assessment period( having to be caring for the complete period). Nice to know

KxMx

I'm not aware of any waiting period for Carers Element. 

Each UC payment is based on your circumstances for the previous calender month, with the last day of your Assessment Period being the most important. You'll be a reported carer on that day.