Carer’s Allowance or just carers component on UC?

Hillmarie
Hillmarie Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited September 2019 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi everyone... Iam currently on UC with one child... So iam trying to decide if I should go ahead and apply for carers allowance or if its worth just applying for the carers component on UC or not to bother atall... Would appreciate opinions /help

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  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 14,115 Online Community Programme Lead
    edited September 2019
    Hello @Hillmarie and welcome to the community!

    For most people this is a personal preference. If you live in Scotland there is a financial gain by claiming Carer’s Allowance and the carer element of UC, but not for the rest of the UK. 

    Carer’s Allowance is paid weekly which some people find to be helpful with budgeting. It also pays higher NI contributions for the claimant than Universal Credit alone.
    However, it is deducted £ for £ from UC so you’re not any better off financially.

    The carer element of UC is an additional £160 a month and can be claimed whether or not you are claiming Carer’s Allowance. 

    I hope that helps but any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask. 

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