Carers allowance wait times

LucyLou221

Hi,

I left work 31st May - after having 3 months on paid leave (gardening leave). I applied for carers allowance 2nd June 2025. From 2nd September I will be joining university, so I will need to close the claim then.

I have had carers allowance in the past for my daughter and nothing in our circumstances has changed since.

How long has the wait time been? It's 13 weeks from claiming to ending the claim. I am a bit concerned that my claim will need to be closed before the allocation of the benefit. If this happens will I still get the 13 weeks of payment?

Thanks in advance.

Holly_Scope

Hi @LucyLou221 typically it should take between 8 to 12 weeks but there has been delays pushing it between 13 and 15 weeks. Has this now been awarded now? Sorry, I couldn't quite work out if it had at this point, or you were still pending confirmation.

LucyLou221

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1036175#Comment_1036175

Still pending. I applied 2nd June so Still quite early. However I will be coming off it 2nd September because I'm going to be a full time student. I'll be on it for 13 weeks altogether.

Would I still be entitled to the 13 weeks if by the time it is awarded I am no longer entitled to it? If that makes sense

Holly_Scope

Thanks for confirming @LucyLou221 i'd like to think you're able to given the circumstances but I don't know for sure and wouldn't want to provide you any false information. It might be worth contacting DWP to make them aware of the situation as the timescale (if worst case scenario it were to be awarded at the 13-15 weeks) it's cutting it thin.

I've added a few tags to your post as well, as other members may have been through a similar situation and might be able to advice a bit better on this. I hope that's ok. it just helps others see what the question is about. 🙂

LucyLou221

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1036188#Comment_1036188

Thank you.

Would me telling them I will be coming off it in September make them not approve it? Would calling them expedite the claim?

When I call to close the claim can I back date it? So can I wait until I am approved then close the claim, from a previous date? That's if it takes too long.

Holly_Scope

Hi @LucyLou221 I'd perhaps start by giving them a call to ask what the best route is in this situation. I'd like to think that they'd backdate it as they do with open claims (up to 3 months) but I can't say for sure so it's probably best to check with them what to do in this situation. You might be able to call and ask them generally, rather than formally informing them of any changes at the moment. I'm really sorry I couldn't answer this for you. But if you do get an answer, please would you share the outcome. I'm interested to know about this scenario - it's quite unique.

LucyLou221

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1036431#Comment_1036431

Hi sorry it took long to respond to this. It took 5 weeks for them to accept my claim. I did ring them and they didn't know the answer to my question either.

Holly_Scope

Hi @LucyLou221 thanks for updating. It must have been quite a rare set of circumstances you're in then if they weren't sure. I'm pleased your claim has been accepted before September. That must be a relief ☺️

WelshBlue

It's frustrating to read how some have to wait so long/ jump through hoops for things like this.

Mine was awarded within 7 days and the first week paid in 14 days

Getting ESA to reduce my money accordingly was the biggest hassle. But that was done on the second phone call

Should really be a level playing field across the country/ applicant