Millions of unpaid carers are set to miss out on the Government's latest cost of living payment. The new payment, worth up to £900 for some households, is means-tested so many claiming Carer's Allowance won't benefit.
Carer’s Allowance rises from £69.70 to £75.74 per week. But this benefit was excluded from the list of qualifying benefits for the cost of living payment so people will only receive the support if they or someone in their household on a means-tested benefit does qualify for the payment.
Recent figures reveal that around one in eight adults in the UK are carers and more than six million people provide care to elderly friends, family, or neighbours. Louise Yasities, elderly care expert at Taking Care Personal Alarms said it was important carers were made aware of the help they can receive to impact the rising cost of living.
“It can be so challenging for carers who may be looking after an elderly parent or relative, especially during the current cost of living crisis where many are trying to juggle their finances," she said. "Following news that the new cost of living payment, which could be as much as £900 for some households, is mean-tested, most carers will be unable to benefit from this.
"While this is extremely disappointing for unpaid carers, it means it's more important than ever for them to understand what alternative financial support is available, particularly in light of the cost of living crisis." She offered the following advice:
Apply for Carer’s Allowance
All carers are eligible for Carer’s Allowance, which is a weekly payment of £69.70 and is set to rise by 10.1 per cent to £75.74 as part of the government’s triple lock pledge. This equates to another £300 a year for unpaid carers.
Be mindful that Carer’s Allowance is taxable, she said, and claiming it could impact any other benefits you currently claim or intend to claim in the future. The person you care for must also claim at least one of the below benefits for you to be eligible:
Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
Disability Living Allowance
Child/Adult Disability Payment
Disablement Benefit Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Check if you’re entitled to Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps bridge some of the gaps in a carers’ National Insurance record and helps towards your State Pension. Claimants must care for someone for a minimum of 20 hours per week, with the credit allowing them to maintain caring responsibilities and still contribute to their State Pension, which is based on NI contributions.
Access charity and community support in your area
You can get at-home support through a needs assessment from your local authority which can help develop a personalised care package. Consider cost-effective ways of supporting a relative, particularly if you can’t be with them all the time, such as at-home help from local councils, community volunteering schemes such as lunches and coffee mornings and even personal alarms or panic buttons that can be made available via a monthly subscription.
TakingCare offers a host of support and advice for people caring for elderly loved ones on their Resource Hub.
