can apply for carers allowance, while on universal credit?

joevans
joevans Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited October 2021 in Benefits and income
  I started claiming  Universal Credits in Sept 2018, not by choice. When I then lost my Severe Disability Premium because of. Anyway what I would like to know is if I can apply for carers allowance? I have been told that I can and I should but obviously I am not sure on the matter? There fore I would be extremely appreciative if someone could me the correct information on if it is possible to claim carers if receiving universal credits? Thank You.

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    Hi,

    You can't claim carers allowance for looking after yourself. If you're looking after someone else for at least 35 hours per week and they claim a qualifying benefit then yes you can claim it but it's deducted £1 for £1 from your UC amount.

    If you are looking after someone then you can claim the carers element of UC BUT if you're claiming the LCWRA element in your UC then you won't be able to claim the carers element at the same time. Hope this helps.

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 14,323 Online Community Programme Lead
    Hello @joevans and a warm welcome to the community!

    As Poppy mentioned, you aren't able to claim carers allowance or carers element for yourself.

    If you're claiming it for another person that you care for, be aware that carers allowance is an overlapping benefit with Universal Credit so will be deducted from your UC award.

    Please don't hesitate to ask if you any other questions. :)

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