To register as a carer or not?

Sorry_Susan
Sorry_Susan Community member Posts: 58 Contributor
I have now realised that I have my very own label - I am a carer for my disabled adult daughter and autistic teenager. I thought I was just a mum, but realised that I am a mum and carer.
I now need to decide wether to register as a carer. How do I register and where? Should I register?
Advise please.

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Hi,

    You can tell your GP so that it will be put onto your records but that's really about it when you "register" as a carer.

    If either of your children claim PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care then claiming carers allowance maybe possible depending on your circumstances.


  • forgoodnesssake
    forgoodnesssake Community member Posts: 501 Empowering
    Yes that was essentially going to be my reply too

  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Scope Posts: 10,511 Championing
    Hi @Sorry_Susan! How are you doing today? :)
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Community member Posts: 58 Contributor
    Thank you for asking @Chloe_Scope
    Today is much better. One of your colleagues have given me useful information and made the necessary soothing noises. Sometimes empathy and understanding is all one needs.

  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Scope Posts: 10,511 Championing
    I'm so glad to hear this @Sorry_Susan! Understanding really can make a difference!
  • pollyanna1052
    pollyanna1052 Community member Posts: 2,016 Championing
    Hi, I am thankful that I have carers....hubby being my main one, and a lovely lass who has been with me for 9 years.
    I also have a variety of women from a care agency looking after me.

    Without these people, I would be lost!

    Thankyou!

  • Joanne_Alumni
    Joanne_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 185 Empowering
    Hi @Sorry_Susan,
    I just thought I would ask again if you have claimed Carers Allowance if one of your daughters has the required level of DLA/PIP?
    Even if you do not get a payment you can get credits towards your National Insurance record.
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Community member Posts: 58 Contributor
    How where do I register for that? I am a bit like a hamster an a wheel at the moment.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    edited February 2020
    How where do I register for that? I am a bit like a hamster an a wheel at the moment.

    You can't claim for the carers allowance  or the carers credits unless your daughters claims a qualifying benefit such as DLA mid/high rate care or PIP daily living.
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Community member Posts: 58 Contributor
    We have a PIP appointment at the end of Feb. Will keep running the wheel  for now.
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Scope Posts: 10,511 Championing
    Please do let us know how the appointment goes @Sorry_Susan. :)
  • anisty
    anisty Community member Posts: 340 Empowering
    Im sure it is in the link Poppy posted but your own income (if you have any paid work yourself) is limited if you claim carer's allowance. I cant remember the exact figure.

    When my son was born, i gave up my career.

    I didnt work at all for 2yrs but then re trained as a childminder and it was brilliant as it really fitted in with being there for him and earning at the same time.

    When he was around 9/10 he went through a stage of being quite difficult to manage due to severe problems with constipation. I wont give too much detail as it wasnt pleasant but suffice it to say i had a lot of extra washing to do and it was very stressful all round for a few years. 

    I looked into the carers allowance then as things were getting on top of me but i would have had to give up my childminding and i decided to battle through and carry on. 

    Just something to be aware of if you do paid work or plan to do paid work in future.
  • Joanne_Alumni
    Joanne_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 185 Empowering
     Hi,

    Just thought I would confirm that the earnings limit for Carers Allowance is £123. 

    :)