Benefits as a pensioner

kresote

I am helping my husband with his personal needs and I don't know if I could get benefit. I am a pensioner.

mossycow

Have you called Scope's help line?   It is  free,     

0808 800 3333

I found it really helpful. I called and explained, then a lady who was a benefits expert called me back and spent a good hour with me. 

I;m no expert, but I know my Grandma when she was caring for my Grandad had lots of help from age uk. They helped her fill in forms, sort out respite and lots of good stuff. Can you get i touch with them too.

Sam_Scope

Do you mean carers allowance? 

Carer's Allowance (CA) is a benefit payable to someone who cares for a disabled person. It's a benefit for people who regularly spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who receives a qualifying benefit such as:

• Disability Living Allowance care component at high or middle rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment daily living component
• Armed Forced Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance paid with Industrial Injuries or War Pension Schemes

The carer must be over 16, not in full-time education and they must not earn more than £110 per week. Carers who are themselves disabled can claim. You can only get one award for Carer's Allowance even if you care for more than one person.

We have an online benefits calculator that you could fill in and see what you could be entitled to.  Or you could speak to Age UK who may be able to help.

Robs

My son is my carer as you say, he receives £62.10 PW, but cannot earn more than an additional £110.00 pw meaning he is not allowed to earn more than £4.71 per hour. This is a national disgrace. How about a campaign for fair pay Scope?

Robs

Oh byeheway I am now in receipt of PIP higher rate both components, l was not required to be interviewed and will not be contacted again by the SS before 2026. 

Matilda

@Robs - there are two carer's allowance rates - the one that your son receives sounds like the lower rate.  You might want to ask in the 'Ask a benefits advisor carer' if your son might be eligible for the higher rate.

Robs

Thanks Matilda actually I'm not 65 until July. Should l ring the DWP now or closer to the date. Do you know what the higher rate is?

Matilda

Hi @Robs.  Sorry, I'm not a benefits expert but if you ask in the 'Ask a benefits advisor' category on this site, a benefits advisor will reply in due course.