UC & Carers

jjhat
jjhat Community member Posts: 4 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

hi guys!

I’m new to this :)

I recently started claiming carers allowance, for my mum. She requires a lot of help and I’ve not been claiming up until a few months ago.
I have had to quit my job due to this and I’m struggling to pay rent, so I decided to look into other forms of help (UC) now I’ve not claimed UC yet however I have used the benefit calculator and while my rent will be paid in full, my carer’s allowance will also be deducted in full meaning after paying rent I’ll be left will less than the CA.

I’m very confused. Would it be better to stop claiming CA then start the UC process? As the calculator says I would receive more if I’m not claiming CA. Will this cause problems for me? I’m very worried

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Comments

  • Kimmy87
    Kimmy87 Community member Posts: 1,135 Trailblazing
    edited October 16

    Universal Credit is made up of different elements.

    The ones I think would be relevant in your case are:

    Standard Allowance

    Housing Element

    Carers Element

    A UC award would add up those amounts, then the Carers Allowance would be deducted in full.

    https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/helping-a-loved-one/financial-support/

    https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

  • jjhat
    jjhat Community member Posts: 4 Listener

    Hi Kimmy, thank you for responding :)

    After the deduction of CA and rent from the housing element, I’m left will less to live off than the full amount of CA. So would it be better to cancel CA?

  • Emilee
    Emilee Community member Posts: 188 Empowering

    You would still receive the Carer's Allowance alongside UC, so you are not left with less to live off.

  • jjhat
    jjhat Community member Posts: 4 Listener

    Hi Emilee,

    according to the benefit calculator your carers allowance is deducted in full so I will not be receiving it

  • Emilee
    Emilee Community member Posts: 188 Empowering

    It is deducted from the UC award as it is classed as an overlapping benefit, because you will also be receiving the Carer's Allowance alongside the UC. You are paid both UC and Carer's Allowance.

  • Kimmy87
    Kimmy87 Community member Posts: 1,135 Trailblazing
    edited October 16

    As I advised you will have several elements making up your UC award, and you will still have the income from Carers Allowance.

    So UC would be Housing Element, Standard Allowance and Carers Element (less the CA).

    So you are left with Carers Allowance, and the reduced UC award.

  • jjhat
    jjhat Community member Posts: 4 Listener

    thank you both for your response!

    So the CA will remain as it is and the UC will be separate? I’m sorry, I thought they combined hence the deduction.
    I was very confused because of the benefit calculator, I appreciate both of your help :)

  • Kimmy87
    Kimmy87 Community member Posts: 1,135 Trailblazing

    Exactly right.

    Carers Allowance and UC paid separately.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 7,979 Online Community Team

    Hwya @jjhat and a big welcome to the community from me too. :)

    Looks like I'm late to the party and everyone has already given you the answers. But I just wanted to stop in and say a quick hello. 😊

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