Should I claim Carers Allownace

chrisvanf

Hi to all.

Firstly I am claiming contribution based ESA, was cured at assessment of all that ails me, not overturned on MR so have appealed am awaiting court date.
I also claim IIDB at 30%.=£52.44

I have recently been awarded PIP daily living at enhanced rate, have asked for MR for lower mobility which I believe I should have been awarded in the first instance (and who doesn't).
We, (my wife and I) are claiming UC as a top up to Cont ESA, HB and CTR are also been claimed
.
My wife was also cured at UC assessment for her chronic pain disability, MR not overturned decision so may appeal??, My wife also claims Standard rate PIP for daily living.
We have an appointment with CAB in 2 weeks to discuss above.

Can anyone advise in the meantime whether we would be better or worse off financially.if my wife claimed CA as my carer.
Or can I apply for CA as well??

Any info would be appreciated.
       

Chloe_Scope

Hi @chrisvanf, I hope you are doing okay. It may be worth you using the benefit calculator to see if you could get CA.

I have also found this:

You will get less Universal Credit if you're receiving Carer's Allowance. However, you'll receive an extra amount, known as a carer amount. 

(https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/benefits-entitlements/carers/carers-allowance)

There is also information on the Scope website about the process I hope others are able to offer their advice and if you need anything else then please do let me know!

chrisvanf

Hi @Chloe_Scope.
Thanks for the info,
I have tried all the benefit calculators and while they are a good tool,none of them say which is better for my situation.
I have read many threads about similar situations and I am still not sure. 
 
     

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @chrisvanf, if you're still feeling unsure, perhaps it would be worth speaking to somebody at your local Citizens Advice about this?

Unfortunately there is no way of predicting outcomes of benefits applications and so it's tricky to definitively say what would be best for a person's situation, but I really hope talking it through with somebody helps you to make a decision.