my husband is my carer but a pensioner

jansteve

Hello. First time posting. Not sure if anyone can give any advice. I am a pensioner (just) with a full PIP . My husband started to receive his state pension a year ago. we are both not receiving a full state pension. My husband was working part time but gave this job up in April to care for me. He now works 4-5 days a month. Would he be entitled  to carers allowance as effectively his income is now halved to what it was a year ago? Thanks for any advice.

calcotti

He cannot be paid Carer’s Allowance if his State Pension is more than £69.70/week.

However you may be entitled to some Pension Credit. If he applied for Carers Allowance he would establish an ‘underlying entitlement’ to CA which would mean that calculation of Pension Credit would include a carer premium. Your Pension Credit entitlement would then be £317.55/week. Pension Credit would top your joint income up to this amount if it is otherwise less than this,

jansteve

He is literally £2.00 more than that. It seems very unfair that a pensioner caring for a pensioner cannot get any help.

calcotti

jansteve said:

He is literally £2.00 more than that. It seems very unfair that a pensioner caring for a pensioner cannot get any help.

As per my reply, you may get help through Pension Credit (I may have been editing when you posted).

I should also apply for Council Tax Reduction from your local authority (and Housing Benefit if you are renting).

jansteve

thank you for your help. i find it very bad that he cannot get more help. seems pensioners are the forgotton ones!!

calcotti

jansteve said:

thank you for your help. i find it very bad that he cannot get more help. seems pensioners are the forgotton ones!!

So are you assuming that you are not entitled to any Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction? The level of help available depends on your joint finances,

jansteve

im not sure what we are entitled to. That is why i am asking the question. For some help.

poppy123456

jansteve said:

im not sure what we are entitled to. That is why i am asking the question. For some help.

As calcotti has advised, it will depend on how much your state pension is combined.

ShirleyW

We can't help you any more unless you give us some more information. 

How much is your State Pension?

How much is your husband's State Pension?

What other income if any, do either of you have?

Apart from PIP are you receiving any other benefits?  If yes which ones and how much. 

Do your savings/capital amount to more than £10,000?  The value of your house if you live in it does not count as capital. 

calcotti

jansteve said:

im not sure what we are entitled to. That is why i am asking the question. For some help.

I have given as much advice as possible based on the information you provided

calcotti said:?.you may be entitled to some Pension Credit. If he applied for Carers Allowance he would establish an ‘underlying entitlement’ to CA which would mean that calculation of Pension Credit would include a carer premium. Your Pension Credit entitlement would then be £317.55/week. Pension Credit would top your joint income up to this amount if it is otherwise less than this,

calcotti said:

I should also apply for Council Tax Reduction from your local authority (and Housing Benefit if you are renting).