Do I have to actively seek work

clou
clou Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

Hello looking for some advice I currently work 12hrs and care for my elderly parents my father has numerous disabilitys i have told the job centre I care for my dad although don't claim any carers allowance as I don't want to put my dad through the confusion of his benefits changing and don't think its right they may reduce his benefit the job centre is telling me that I have to actively look for more work if I don't claim a carers benefit does anyone know if this is correct please

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,820 Championing

    What benefits do your parents receive?

  • FF31
    FF31 Online Community Member Posts: 7 Connected

    Can I claim a Carer Premium? 

    If you claim one of the following benefits, you may be able to get a Carer Premium/Addition or Carer Element added to it: 

    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
    • Income Support 
    • Council Tax Support/Reduction 
    • Housing Benefit 
    • Guarantee Pension Credit 
    • Universal Credit 

    Check with Citizens Advice but this looks as if you claim it as part of your universal credit rather than parents claiming carers allowance through theirs.

  • clou
    clou Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    My dad gets every benefit and I believe the carers element too he won't discuss his benefits he's very old school and sees it as private im a single parent on uc I work 12hrs but the want me to work more which I am going to struggle to do as my dad needs daily care

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,820 Championing
    edited March 31

    To answer your question yes while your caring status is unofficial you do need to look for more work.

    Your Dad will have to look elsewhere for his care.

    If he wants you to remain his carer then it would need to be made official with UC by you claiming Carers Element and him being a bit more transparent about his finances.

    Sometimes we have to practice tough love by offering choices which don't include the preferred option by the other person.

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Online Community Member Posts: 191 Empowering

    How many more hours does your work coach want you to work? It would be simpler if you were able to claim the Carer Element of Universal Credit but if not you can ask that your Claimant Commitment be adjusted to show the caring responsibilities you have.

  • justsaying2025
    justsaying2025 Online Community Member Posts: 22 Connected

    If you are caring for your relative (over 35 hours) you are entitled to the carers element. It's approx. £200 (now) and YOU can claim it by actioning a COC (change of circs) via your online claim. If your father receives a Disability premium this may affect his money but rightly so as the money is for care, That you provide. You don't need to seek his permission,.

  • clou
    clou Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    I'm not going to claim anything that affects my fathers money he has enough medical issues without me contributing to any financial and I also don't think it's right I can't care for my dying father without been paid for it

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