Carers allowance

Jon7777777

Morning all I would like to ask a question that I have never seen discussed or asked.

I became a carer for my mam 10 years ago, I applied to the dwp everything went OK and they started paying myself carers allowance.

A year ago I had to stop caring as her dementia was just too much,and sadly not long after she died, unfortunately because I had been in that situation for too long without realising it I have developed ptsd that has stopped me working for over a year and under counciling.

When reading I have noticed the dwp do not give out any warnings to carers how being a carer can impact on a person's own mental health, which I am very surprised as it's themselves paying a carer to do that job.

Based on this would I have a potential claim for loss of earnings, due to themselves not indicating all the health issues that can be caused by being a carer, if I knew this I would never of put myself in that situation for that length of time or at all

Thank u.

Emilee

@Jon7777777 I’m really sorry you’ve had such a difficult experience caring, and I don’t doubt the impact it’s had on your health, caring can be incredibly stressful and isolating.

I do think it’s worth saying though that most jobs in the UK don’t come with formal warnings about the impact on health or emotional wellbeing.

And even if they did, caring also isn’t the same as the DWP hiring someone into a role, people choose to take on caring responsibilities and then apply for Carer’s Allowance because they meet the criteria.

Don't get me wrong, carers deserve much better support, should be better financially compensated, and given clearer information, but Carer’s Allowance is a benefit with eligibility rules, not a job contract. I think you will find it very difficult to claim for loss of potential earnings in this situation.

Jon7777777

Thank you for your reply emilee, I fully understand your point of view as in a carer takes on the responsibility, but I also feel if a person has never actually had any expierance, they would never know what they are taking on, hence myself, it would be helpful if guidelines were addressed by the dwp to make carers aware of the potential risks of being a carer, am quite sure I am not the only person in this situation, thanx again

Emilee

There are definitely studies that show that family caregivers can experience PTSD as a result, so you won't be the only person in this situation. I wish you all the best with your PTSD recovery and I am sorry for the loss of your mum.

Jon7777777

Aww thank u

Jon7777777

With a bit of researching if I understand it correctly, it's the carer who needs to request a carers assement from their local council for their safety and mental health , to see how being a carer impacts your life, however in my case like many other carers I can imagine, you are actually unaware of the mental health issues until you are actually come out of that situation, which to myself does not make sense, I am strongly thinking of taking legal action against the dwp, themselves stating does not have a statutory duty of care or a legal obligation to safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable claimants, I was not a vulnerable claiment, I was a normal caring person,that was never informed of the risks

Emilee

Would it not be a local council or social services that would be responsible for supporting carers rather than the DWP directly @Jon7777777?

Jon7777777

Yes them aswell, but the fact a carer needs to request help is the issue, if u are unaware that caring is having a effect on ur health and well being you won't reach out for help, why is a carer not warned of the dangers before they even start caring by any professional body, hence 10 years later I have ptsd it's not my fault, but the responsibility lies somewere