Almost one million people were recieving £69.70 per week for Carer’s Allowance across the UK in May 2022 according to the latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions. The data shows that a total of 936,766 people were recieving the payment, with the amount set to rise to £76.75 per week in April.
This increase is part of the annual benefits uprating, and as it is paid every four weeks it will see people receive £307 every four weeks, which is a rise of £28.20 when compared to the current amount of £278.80. However, many unpaid carers might not be aware of certain changes in their circumstances which could stop their payments if they are not reported, reports the Daily Record.
Failing to report certain changes could also result in someone having to pay a penalty or be taken to court. Guidance on GOV.UK warns: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”
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One of the main changes that you must report to the DWP is if the person you are caring for passes away, but there are several other changes you also need to report if you are currently claiming or have applied for Carer’s Allowance.
These changes can include:
- starting a job
- starting or ending full-time education
- changes to your income
- stopping being a carer
- the person you care for no longer getting their disability benefit
- someone else who cares for the same person claiming Carer’s Allowance instead of you
- someone else who cares for the same person claims the carer’s element of Universal Credit
- changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
- If you temporarily stop providing care for someone
You are still able to get Carer’s Allowance if you temporarily stop providing care. This means any period when you spend less than 35 hours a week caring for the other person, however, the person you care for must still receive their disability benefit.
You must tell DWP if you temporarily stop providing care and if you or the person you care for will be in hospital, a nursing home, or respite care for more than 12 weeks. You should also let them know if you stop caring for more than 28 days for any other reason.
If you have been paid too much then you may have to repay the money if you did not report a change straight away, gave the wrong information or if you were overpaid by mistake.
The DWP has a guide for people working and claiming Carer’s Allowance which covers flexible working, time off for an emergency, respite care or ‘short break’ care and advice on starting work, which can be found here.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70, which will rise in April, if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment - daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment
If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states that all of the following must apply:
You are 16 or over
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
You have been in Scotland for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
You are not in full-time education
You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?
You can claim online at the GOV.UK website here or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
Before you apply make sure you have your:
National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
Bank or building society details
Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
P45 if you’ve recently finished work
Course details if you’re studying
Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work
GOV.UK guidance states that you also need details of the person you care for, as well as their date of birth address, national insurance number if they are over 16 or the disability living allowance reference if they are under 16. You can get more help and advice from Carers UK, Carers Trust, Citizens Advice and NHS: Carers Direct helpline.
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