Hi, my name is beverz68!

beverz68

I have recently reported a change on UC as mums carer, I haven’t claimed CA so mum didn’t lose any benefits. Now she’s received a letter saying her housing and disability premium is at risk? But she will lose more than I gain, are they trying to frighten her or will she lose benefits? She currently gets Attendance allowance and disability premium paid with her pension credit. 

poppy123456

They are not trying to frighten her, they are advising her of what would happen. If you claim carers element of UC for looking after her then the Severe Disability Premium she claims with her pension credit will stop, which is why she's received that letter. The same rules apply to carers element as carers allowance. 

If the SDP stops this may also end her Pension Credit, which could also affect her council tax reduction and housing benefit, if she claims them. 

You should always get advice before going ahead and claiming either carers element or carers allowance. 

beverz68

My UC work coach told me not to claim CA, I didn’t realise I’d even claimed carers element either as I wasn’t wanting any financial reward, just wanted to care for my mum without the stress of UC chasing me to get a job. I’ll get her to cancel it as her loss will be greater than any £180 a month I’ll get! 

poppy123456

It will be because you reported a change and told them you are her carer, from there they would include the carers element. As you do not want to claim carers element then your commitments may not change to reflect your caring duties but it will be down to your work coach. 

As it's your UC claim then you will need to cancel the carers element, not your mum. 

beverz68

I cancelled it today with immediate effect back to the date I changed my circumstances. So if I tell my work coach I care for her 30 hrs a week what would happen? 

poppy123456

As I advised, it will be down to your work coach. All you can do is tell them you care for her but they may advise you to claim carers element.