Carers’ Allowance Error - any advice please?

toffeeapples

Hi,

I’ve always been paid four weekly by DWP for my carers’ allowance as I’m my mum’s carer. My payments have recently been increased to £345. However, I received a payment yesterday (Thursday) for £172.90. I’ve spoken to Carers’ Allowance team and asked what on Earth is going on. They said, the £172.90 is back dated and they cannot see any further payments for this month. They’ve passed this matter to the ‘back office’ who will be in touch in due course.

I’ve just moved into my first flat which is rented and the amount of Carers’ I’ve received is the only amount I’m going to get this month. I’m very worried and concerned as I can’t afford my essentials such as food etc.

I’ve applied for some financial assistance regarding food etc from my council but this could take weeks before I get a reply about my application.

Does anyone know how I can make a formal complaint to DWP about this? Or what else I could do, please?

Many thanks

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Is it possible that your Mum has lost her qualifying benefit within the last few weeks?

If you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings then you can apply for Universal Credit. But that will take a few weeks before payment.

toffeeapples

hi,

Thanks for your reply! No, my mum’s PIP has been extended so I really don’t know what’s going on.

I’m already on UC. I’ve just moved into my first place so I’m stressed as it is. However, out of £672, over £400 is my rent cost so I don’t know if the other amount left over is for me to spend on food and bills etc.

I am really worried about my Carers’ Allowance as this month as I’ve said above is wrong and I’m worried about essential stuff and bills this month.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @toffeeapples. Did you put in a change of circumstances to let them know you were moving? I'm wondering if that has something to do with it.

If you're struggling for food, you can go to a food bank. Some require a voucher and you'll need to apply, but others will help you straightaway. https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1138250#Comment_1138250

Unfortunately you'll just have to wait for the Carers Allowance team to get back to you to explain what's happening with that.

Your UC doesn't sound right though. Are you getting the Carers Element? And the Housing Element?

toffeeapples

Hi Rachel,

No, I didn’t let Carers’ Allowance know. However, I let UC know when I signed the tenancy.

Thanks for the link! I’ll take a look.

Many thanks

toffeeapples

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1138371#Comment_1138371

Hi,

My housing costs are paid of £672 but I really don’t know what’s going on with Carers’ Allowance but something I do know is, I’m really struggling financially this month.