Will we lose UC if we claim carers allowance?

katielou217

Ive just recieved my PIP and have been told to claim carers allowence. I have put the claim form in but me and my partner (my carer) have been told that because we are also on UC that he will loose his CA. Is this true.    Many Thanks. 

Richard_Scope

Hi @katielou217

Welcome to Scope's community! It's great to have you here.  Just to get you started we have a How To Guide here, you can see all the latest posts here, jump in and get involved and don't worry we are a friendly bunch!  

Here is the link to What Benefits am I Entitled To?
If you need anything, just let us know. 

poppy123456

Hi,

No, you won't lose the CA but it'll be deducted from the UC claim and a carers element will be added. CA will then pay the £64 per week. You'll be approx £156 per month better off. The Carers Element will be back dated to the PIP start date providing your carer was caring for you for at least 35 hours per week when your PIP claim started. Complicated and confuses most people.

katielou217

Thank you. We hace recieved CA but only a month. I put my pip in in janruary. But hasnt been backdated. Im still confused. My partner gets 258 a month but im loosing 211 a month from my money. 

poppy123456

Yes the Carers allowance is deducted £1 for £1 from your UC but then they add a carers element of £156 ish per month. Carers Allowance then pay your partner. As you're claiming UC as a couple then it works out that you're actually £156 better off per month. 

poppy123456

You need to check your UC claim to make sure the carers element is being added.