Cares allowance ? Help

ali901

Hi it's this is probably been asking before? I currently get daily pip and lwca element? And currently live alone, but I am in  need of care and was wondering if I could apply for cares allowance? Or not? 

poppy123456

You can't apply for carers allowance for looking after yourself. Someone else can claim it if they look after you for at least 35 hours per week, providing they don't earn more than £139/week. 

You can refer yourself for a needs assessment. By doing this an Occupational Therapist will come to your home and assess your needs. From that they will determine if there's any help or support they can offer you. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

ali901

Thank you poppy  I was told that it would affect my lwca and would have to apply for ESA? Confused 

poppy123456

Whoever told you that is wrong! As I advised you can’t claim carers allowance or carers element of UC for looking after yourself. 

They may have been thinking about Severe Disability Premium which is paid in with the old Income Related ESA. 

Unfortunately it’s not payable when claiming Universal Credit and it’s not longer possible to start a new claim for Income Related ESA.

ali901

Thank you  for confirmation