£500 ONE OFF PAYMENT IN WALES FOR CARERS

suzyk15

Hi just read the government is giving  a one off payment of £500 to carers in wales.

How do we access this please. ?

I claim carer allowance /universal credit carer element will I be able to claim this one off payment ?

Thanks sue

Alex_Alumni

Hi @suzyk15 I believe it's anyone claiming carers allowance on 31st March who will be entitled to the payment which is a one-off and not taxable. 

The BBC article on the announcement can be read here if interested. 

The Welsh Government also published a written statement about the support payment on 23rd March.

Key information is as follows: 

"A registration process will open later this year and anyone receiving Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022 will be able to register with their local authority to claim the payment. We will publish further details about when and how to register by the end of April. 

We will work with our partners in the third sector and local authorities to publicise this payment to make sure all eligible carers are aware of their entitlement and are supported to make a claim." 

suzyk15

I just thought as universal credit is means tested it would be deducted ?

Alex_Alumni

As far as I can tell from the announcement, this one-off payment relates to carers allowance, it doesn't sound as though entitlement to any other benefits will impact it. 

suzyk15

😊 thank you

racyguy

So pleased that my taxes are going over the border to Wales. I don't suppose that those claiming Carers Allowance in England will see such a magnanimous gesture?
I do wonder if those receiving the SRP who care and claim carers allowance for a loved one in Wales will get a payment

suzyk15

I dont make the rules !!!

poppy123456

racyguy said:

I do wonder if those receiving the SRP who care and claim carers allowance for a loved one in Wales will get a payment

If you read the link posted above it says anyone who claims carers allowance on 31st March 2022. This will include those of state pension age who have an underlying entitlement to it.

calcotti

poppy123456 said: If you read the link posted above it says anyone who claims carers allowance on 31st March 2022. This will include those of state pension age who have an underlying entitlement to it. 

The official statement doesn't say that. It says "A registration process will open later this year and anyone receiving Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022.." so i would say it is unclear whether those with an 'underlying entitlement' only are included (as, by definition, they don't receive it).

racyguy

calcotti said:

poppy123456 said: If you read the link posted above it says anyone who claims carers allowance on 31st March 2022. This will include those of state pension age who have an underlying entitlement to it. 

The official statement doesn't say that. It says "A registration process will open later this year and anyone receiving Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022.." so i would say it is unclear whether those with an 'underlying entitlement' only are included (as, by definition, they don't receive it).

Thankyou 
That is what I was getting to. The statement does clearly say 'those receiving'. Having either a carers premium in UC or having an underlying entitlement will not receive the money. They will have to be physically in receipt of the benefit.

suzyk15

I only wanted to know if anyone claiming carers allowance carer element/universal credit will receive the £500
( IN WALES ONLY) As universal credit is means tested 

L_Volunteer

Thanks for your great question @suzyk15. Do you feel your question has been answered now? If you need any further clarification, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are here for you and are glad you brought this to our attention 

suzyk15

No.id like to know im a carer claiming carers allowance also claim carer element on universal credit.if I'm entitled to rhe £500 will it be deducted as im on universal credit and its means tested ?

L_Volunteer

Hi @suzyk15

Thanks for your response. It is really important to us that you have been able to tell us that you don't feel your question has been answered. Thanks for finding that courage.

Unfortunately, this is not my area of my expertise and I would have to know what the threshold is to know if the "means-tested" is included. Hopefully, someone with more knowledge in this area will be able to respond to you soon.

In the meantime, I want you to know you have been heard. I will flag your post for someone to hopefully get back to you 

poppy123456

suzyk15 said:

No.id like to know im a carer claiming carers allowance also claim carer element on universal credit.if I'm entitled to rhe £500 will it be deducted as im on universal credit and its means tested ?

There's no information on that yet so you'll very likely have to wait until the registration process opens. By then they will hopefully give more information.

racyguy

suzyk15 said:

No.id like to know im a carer claiming carers allowance also claim carer element on universal credit.if I'm entitled to rhe £500 will it be deducted as im on universal credit and its means tested ?

Re-reading the info, it would appear that for those on UC AND also receiving Carers Allowance (not just the Carers element) they would get the £500 which will not affect their UC payments.

suzyk15

poppy123456 says no info yet, will see once the registration process opens up hopefully more info be given .

poppy123456

At the bottom of the BBC article provided by Alex it does say this..

As well as being non-taxable, the payment will not be subject to National Insurance contributions or included as income when applying for tax credits.

I admit this is only an article. I'm sure the offical guidance will be out soon.

suzyk15

😊 thanks

calcotti

poppy123456 said:

At the bottom of the BBC article provided by Alex it does say this..

As well as being non-taxable, the payment will not be subject to National Insurance contributions or included as income when applying for tax credits.

I admit this is only an article. I'm sure the offical guidance will be out soon.

And, even if correct, doesn't tell us whether it impacts UC. Clearly it will not affect Tax Credits if not taxable because Tax Credits only take account of taxable income. UC doesn't work like that.

Until the official guidance is expanded the question can't be answered.

poppy123456

calcotti said:

poppy123456 said:

At the bottom of the BBC article provided by Alex it does say this..

As well as being non-taxable, the payment will not be subject to National Insurance contributions or included as income when applying for tax credits.

I admit this is only an article. I'm sure the offical guidance will be out soon.

And, even if correct, doesn't tell us whether it impacts UC.
Until the official guidance is expanded the question can't be answered.

Indeed, which was why i advised this.

poppy123456 said:

suzyk15 said:

No.id like to know im a carer claiming carers allowance also claim carer element on universal credit.if I'm entitled to rhe £500 will it be deducted as im on universal credit and its means tested ?

There's no information on that yet so you'll very likely have to wait until the registration process opens. By then they will hopefully give more information.