Carer's Allowance, urgent advice needed!!

tinkerbellblue

I have previously received carer's allowance whilst working and lookin after my mother. I did not realise what the conditons of receiving this benefit was and subsequently earned more than was allowed. Although this was my own fault i have had to also deal with my mother's benefits and did not bother with my own...very stressful:mad:

Once i did realise the maximum wage allowed i contacted the DWP and they stopped my benefit. i did not hear from them for a long time until recently when they contacted my employer. I am extremely worried about what the outcome will be as i believe i might owe £2000 or more.

Does anyone know of the procedure if this is the case and will i be told i have been fraudulent or face court action? I am willing to pay back what i owe.

HELP!!!

dmg24

The fact that you contacted them, and your willingness to pay the money back, will certainly go in your favour. No one can tell what action the DWP will take, but assuming this is your first 'offence' (I don't mean that in a negative sense, just can't think of a better word!), it is unlikely to end in court action.

allen35

Hi Blue

Seems you have stopped claiming carers allowance, i'm just checking does your mum live alone, as it may be a good idea to inform income support of a change of circumstances so your mum can receive her severe disability premium, just a thought incase they haven't added it to mum's benefits..

jacnorm

I know the fact that you informed them yourself will go in your favour. One of my relatives found themselves in the same position a few years ago and had been overpaid by around 3,000, the dwp did take a long time to get back to her and the fact that she had not done anything like this before did go well for her. They allowed her to pay it back and I think it was around 12 pound per week she had to pay.
One thought though is if you are also claiming housing benefit as she was it would be in your best interest to tell them before they find out and come to an arrangement with them also.

suelees1

allen35 wrote: »

Hi Blue

Seems you have stopped claiming carers allowance, i'm just checking does your mum live alone, as it may be a good idea to inform income support of a change of circumstances so your mum can receive her severe disability premium, just a thought incase they haven't added it to mum's benefits..

If your mum is over 60 you need to contact the Pension Service to see if she's entitled.