An online petition calling on the UK Government to increase the current Carer’s Allowance weekly payment to match the rates for the National Minimum Wage of an 18-year-old has passed the 10,000 signatures threshold and is now due an official response. The current weekly payment rate for Carer’s Allowance is £69.70, however, the petition wants to see it raised to £239.05 to “reflect the work carers do”.
The ‘Increase Carer's Allowance to equal 35hrs at National Minimum Wage’ petition is posted on the petitions-parliament website where it has now received more than 20,016 signatures of support.
Carer’s Allowance is paid to someone who provides care for a friend or family member for at least 35 hours each week. The benefit is paid every four weeks, amounting to £278.80 each pay period, however, Emma Roberts who created and posted the petition, has highlighted that when the payment rate is compared to that of someone aged 18 earring National Minimum Wage, it works out at less than £2 per hour, compared to £6.93 per hour.
The petition states: “As of April 2022 Carer's Allowance is £69.70 a week for at least 35 hours caring a week, which works out at roughly £1.99 p/h. National Minimum Wage for 18 year olds is currently £6.83 p/h.
“We want Carer's Allowance to be increased to £239.05 a week, to reflect the work carers do.
“Almost half of those living in poverty are disabled or live with someone who is. Many carers are unable to work, or only able to work part time due to caring responsibilities. Carer's Allowance is treated as taxable income, and is also deducted from any other benefits you may receive.”
Ms Roberts adds: “Less than 20% of disabled people are born with a disability, and anyone could end up with a disability, or caring for someone with a disability.”
The petition closes on December 8, 2022 can be viewed on the petitions-parliament website here.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria. The money is paid every four weeks, so you could be eligible for £278.80 each pay period.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - 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 £128 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.
You need their:
Date of birth and address
National Insurance number if they are 16 or over
Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16
More help and advice about Carer's Allowance
You can get more help and advice from:
Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.
To keep up to date with the outcome of this petition, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out three times each week - sign up here.
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