Applying for care element as someone’s carer

Onyeocha

Hi,

I have been caring for my elderly mother in law’s new rented since last year but she’s only been receiving the higher disability part of Universal Credit since June this year. I do care for her for more than 35h a week and I also have two small children and currently on maternity leave so it’s getting tight, driving her everywhere she needs and always attending to her needs as well. I applied a month ago and have not heard anything back but they did send her a letter to her own address as she’s living with another family member that can’t actually take care of her but has more space in her home. Does anyone have experience with how long this usually takes?

poppy123456

For you to be able to claim carers element, you must be claiming Universal Credit. Your mother in law must also be claiming a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) daily living or DLA mid/high rate care.

If she's just claiming UC then unfortunately, you won't be able to claim it.

If you're not claiming Universal Credit then look at carers allowance but again she must be claiming one of the disability benefits listed above. Her claiming UC doesn't entitle you to this.