Can you claim Carers Allowance & New ESA ?

AnthonyGravestock

Hi,

I've tried all the Govt helplines (Benefits office, Job Seekers etc) and spend days rining round. All the Govt ones say we cannot advise you, sign up for both and see. Which seems a drastic approach. Citizens Advise give conflicting info - I either can't or I can, but they remove the Carers Allowance but you then have to apply for a reinstatement of a 'Carers Element'. Anyone know what the reality is, and whether NESA requires you to look for work. I've worked all my life, but now have to support a newly disabled family member, so cannot work

Kimmy87

Shocking quality of help from Citizens Advice, considering this is on their website

As Carers Allowance and New Style ESA are overlapping benefits, it's one or the other not both.

For New Style ESA you'd need a health problem yourself and to be put into the Support Group after the medical assessment process.

Or you can look at entitlement to Universal Credit, this is dependant on income of a working partner, savings etc.

If awarded UC they will deduct Carers Allowance in full, but your entitlement will include Carers Element. As a carer you wouldn't have any requirements to work or look for work.

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

poppy123456

Carers element is part of Universal Credit, it's not a benefit on its own.

Carers allowance is a separate benefit and the same person can't receive payments for both CA and New Style ESA at the same time because they are treated as overlapping benefits. In this case because New Style ESA is more than the carers allowance, it would be the ESA that you would receive.

Same rules apply for New style JSA.

For carers element of UC if your UC includes the LCWRA element for yourself then the same person can't receive carers element at the same time.

For New Style ESA you would not be expected to work BUT you would only claim this if you have health conditions that affect your ability to work.

AnthonyGravestock

Ok, Thanks for clarifying. So, if I am understanding correctly; it looks like I am better of not claiming NESA, as I do not have health conditions myself but I am required 24/7 to be around for my disabled family member. Sorry to sound such a dullard, but I've always worked and never had to claim anything before :D

Kimmy87

If savings or other income prevent you from qualifying for UC, then yes Carers Allowance is the correct route.

Also, look into an assessment of your needs as a carer

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/

Alongside a care needs assessment for your relative,

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

if these haven't been done already.

Being on call 24/7 isn't sustainable for you (or them) in the long term.

poppy123456

You can't claim New Style ESA because you don't have health conditions.

Before claiming carers allowance for that person have you checked that this would not affect any other benefits they maybe claiming? If they are claiming any other benefits that include a Severe disability Premium this would end if you claim carers allowance for looking after them.

AnthonyGravestock

Great information, thank you everyone. Very useful, glad I found this forum