Caring help

NineParsecs

Advice required,

My brother gave up work recently to look after both me and my mum. He can't claim carers allowance because it is only allowed for one person at 35 hours. My mum's needs, and mine individually don't add up to the hours required, but added together they are very close. He works very hard for us both. Are there ANY options in the benefits system to cater for this situation please.

TimeLord1

​If your brother is on a low income or has no income, he might be better off claiming Universal Credit (UC) instead of, or alongside, Carer's Allowance.

Normally, if you don't qualify as a "carer," UC expects you to look for work. However, his "Work Coach" has the discretion to reduce his work-search hours to zero (or a very low amount) if they accept that his combined caring responsibilities make it impossible for him to work. Subject also to his personal savings.

​Even if he can't get a cash payment, he should look into Carer’s Credit.

​This is a National Insurance credit that helps protect his State Pension.

​Crucially, you can qualify for this by caring for two or more people for a combined total of 20 hours or more a week.

​This doesn't put money in his pocket today, but it prevents a "gap" in his NI record which could cost him thousands in his future pension

​Your brother is entitled to a Carer’s Assessment from your local council’s Adult Social Care department.

dnpark38

There is Attendance Allowance which both you and your mother can claim and it is not means tested.

whizzywoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81945540#Comment_81945540

Attendance allowance can only be claimed by people over State Pension Age. OP has not stated the ages of themselves or Mother. I assume that they are already on some sort of disability benefit such as PIP, AA or DLA as they have already looked into Carers Allowance but the brother does not look after either of them for 35 hours so cannot claim it.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6662089/caring-help

What benefits do you both get? PIP etc?

Does your brother live with your mother?

If so that it can be taken that they are doing more than 35 hours, by the very nature that they are there & caring for them.

Given he is no longer working, how is he affording to live?

Spoonie_Turtle

One thing to be aware of, how are you working out the number of hours of care? (Rhetorical)

Many people think it's just the physical number of hours doing personal care but it includes prompting/reminding/supervising, being 'on call' to an extent, and - importantly - ultimately him doing anything extra that he wouldn't have to if the cared-for person weren't disabled and could do it themselves. So even things like shopping for instance, yes he'd do his own shopping anyway and maybe household shopping to an extent (if he lives with you) but if it takes him longer because he's getting items for the cared-for person as well because they can't, that extra time counts.

NineParsecs

Thank you all for your comments.