Hi, I get ESA support group. If my child is awarded DLA can I claim carers?

jo_chloe

Hi can anyone help. I get esa for myself and my child has just been awarded dla can I claim carers and does it not effect my esa. Thanks

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Im no expert on esa but I think if the person you care for gets dla then you can claim carers allowance 

Other members will be able to help you 

chiarieds

Hi @jo_chloe - & welcome to the community. Is your ESA the New style ESA or contribution based?

calcotti

Key question is what type of ESA you get. Is it new style ESA or the old ESA (which could be contribution based or income based or a mix of both contribution based and income based).

jo_chloe

Hi think it's the old one I've been on it for 7 years. 

calcotti

jo_chloe said:

Hi think it's the old one I've been on it for 7 years. 

Do you know if it is all income based or contribution based or a mix of contribution based and income based?

jo_chloe

Think it's income related base

calcotti

You can claim Carer’s Allowance if your child gets at least mid rate care component of DLA. Once awarded your ESA will include an extra amount called a carer premium. CA will be paid separately and will be deducted from the ESA. Your total ESA payment will then be less than your existing but taking the CA and ESA together you will be better off by £37.70/week.

jo_chloe

Great thank you