Carer’s Allowance — Scope | Disability forum
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Carer’s Allowance

louise7728
louise7728 Community member Posts: 2 Listener

Please can someone advise me.  My son gets DLA and i am his sole carer, I have a full time job, as i have bills and a mortgage to pay. However, i am a single parent, with only my money coming in - however i do earn more than £132 a week.  I think it's highly unfair that i have to do the two jobs, but because i work, i don't get the carers allowance. 

Is this true in all cases?

You’ll have a good chance of getting Carer’s Allowance if all the following apply:

  • you earn less than £132 a week - i do earn more than this.
  • you get the middle or higher rate of the care component of DLA
  • you spend at least 35 hours a week (total) caring for your child 

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,011 Disability Gamechanger

    i do earn more than £132 a week.  I think it's highly unfair that i have to do the two jobs, but because i work, i don't get the carers allowance. 

    Is this true in all cases?

    Yes. The legislation prevents CA being paid to those earning more than £132/week (current limit).
    Do you claim Tax Credits?
    If not try using a benefits calculator to see if you could receive Universal Credit. If you have a partner the claim would be calculated on your joint income. You cannot claim if you have (joint) savings over £16,000.

    UC calculation would include standard allowance, child element, disabled child element and you would’ve entitled to the carer element of UC (no earnings limit). If you rent you would also get housing element.

    See https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 49,806 Disability Gamechanger
    Yes it applies to everyone that earns more than £132/week after deductions. 
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • JBS2022
    JBS2022 Scope Member Posts: 2,075 Disability Gamechanger
    Carers Allowance is primarily designed to give an income to people that are unable to work(or work part time or less hours) due to having full time caring responsibilities, that's the reason behind the £132 a week limit.
    Life is better in a fishtank  🐟

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