The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May 2022 there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments for Carer’s Allowance across Great Britain, including 81,682 living in Scotland.
The benefit is now worth £76.75 each week following the annual benefits uprating in April and as it is paid every four weeks, this amounts to £307.00 - an increase of £28.20 from the previous rate of £278.80. Unpaid carers living in Scotland will also receive additional payments twice this year from the Scottish Government through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement - this is worth £270.50 and the first payment of the year is due on June 9 - the next is December.
However, many unpaid carers might not be aware of certain changes in their circumstances which, if not reported, could stop their payments and see them 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.”
The main change that you must report to the DWP is if the person you are caring for dies, but there are several others you should be aware of whether you are currently claiming or have applied for Carer’s Allowance.
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 can still 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:
- you or the person you care for will be in hospital, a nursing home, or respite care for more than 12 weeks
- you stop caring for more than 28 days for any other reason
If you have been paid too much
You may have to repay the money if you:
- did not report a change straight away
- gave wrong information
- were overpaid by mistake
DWP has a handy 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 - read the full guide on GOV.UK here.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 (rising in April) if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
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) 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.
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 latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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