Hi, my name is pam1102! Would it be worth claiming carer's allowance?

pam1102

hi I receive esa of £281.10 every fortnight which is taken off my universal credit each month. I get high pip for care and mobility but my partner who I don’t live with who is also on uc and low pip for care only. We’ve been told we should claim carers allowance as we do care and help each other as we both have disabilities where we can. I have read but don’t quite understand if we would be any better off claiming for each other or would we loose pound for pound off esa or uc. Please could someone explain it to me.

Kimi87

Carers Allowance is deducted pound for pound from Universal Credit.

Assuming you both get LCWRA element, then Carers Element (UC) isn't an option as the same person cannot get paid for both. The higher amount applies which is LCWRA.

flour

If you are not living together as if you were a married couple and are not both jointly claiming benefits as a couple then it depends.

Yes, Carers Allowance is deducted pound for pound from Universal Credit but it also leads to the addition of the Carers Element. For you its of no benefit as you get LCWRA it may be of benefit for your partner if they get only LCW or are looking for work. What is your partner status in their UC?

Kimi87

Carers Allowance is entirely separate to Carers Element.

You can claim Carers Element (if eligible) without claiming Carers Allowance.

I can see my previous advice was incorrect as I didn't pick up on the fact that you both have a PIP award.

The person not getting paid for LCWRA element can apply for Carers Element if they are caring 35+ hours a week, caring covers a broad range of help.

Carers Element would be added onto your UC entitlement before deductions. It is currently £201.68 a month, due to rise next month (depending on your Assessment Period dates you may not see an increase until your May statement).

pam1102

we both get universal credit with the added amount for lcwra but mine is pound for pound taken off as I claim esa but I’ve just been told too to claim industrial injuries disability benefit as I had an accident at work three years ago so I think we should forget carers allowance as there is no point..