› What benefits am I entitled to?
If this is your first visit, check out the community guide. You will have to Join us or Sign in before you can post.
Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Find out how to let us know.

DWP asking me to go into the Job Centre - i feel sick

SandraMay6SandraMay6 Scope Volunteer Posts: 5 Listener
edited September 2018 in What benefits am I entitled to?
I too received a letter from the DWP asking me to go into the Job Centre for an interview and as many others of you have said it has made me feel physically sick.

I am a carer for my disabled daughter who turns 16 in a few months.  The form is asking for lots of information about our finances and we have been asked to bring in bank statements, Premium Bond proofs etc. which I am happy to do but I hadn't realised that Carers Allowance is means tested and am now worried that we may have to pay money back because we have savings.



· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Replies

  • Ami2301Ami2301 Community Co-Production Group Posts: 7,912 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @SandraMay6
    Welcome to the community! Sorry to hear this, I am unsure how to advise however another member of the community will be able to help you and will be in contact with you soon :)
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BenefitsTrainingCoBenefitsTrainingCo Member Posts: 2,692 Pioneering

    I can tell you that Carer's Allowance is definitely not means tested and is not affected by savings. Are you receiving any other benefits?

    David
    The Benefits Training Co:
    Paul Bradley
    Michael Chambers
    Will Hadwen
    Sarah Hayle
    Maria Solomon
    David Stickland
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SandraMay6SandraMay6 Scope Volunteer Posts: 5 Listener
    We receive the DLA and Carers Allowance for my daughter.

    Have this year started to receive Child Tax Credits as my husband is also not working.  Wondered if it could be to do with this as I see that in future Carers Allowance will be part of the Universal Credit payment and that Universal Credit is means tested.

    Not sure if our children's savings count as our savings for this purpose?




    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • poppy123456poppy123456 Member Posts: 23,090 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi,

    If you receive Universal credit then yes this is means tested and any savings/capital you have will affect this. Anything £6,000 and over will affect it £1 for every £250 over that amount. Anything £16,000 and over and you're not entitled to any means tested benefits. Children savings is complicated and for this reason i'd advise you to get further advice.

    When you claimed Universal credit did you put on the form you have savings/capital? This is most likely what the appointment is for and you'll need to take everything with you that they've asked for.

    DLA and Carers Allowance isn't affected by savings/capital.
    Proud winner of the 2019 empowering others award. This award was given for supporting disabled people and their families for the benefit advice I have given to members here on the community.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • poppy123456poppy123456 Member Posts: 23,090 Disability Gamechanger
    Who's names are on the account for the childrens savings?
    Proud winner of the 2019 empowering others award. This award was given for supporting disabled people and their families for the benefit advice I have given to members here on the community.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SandraMay6SandraMay6 Scope Volunteer Posts: 5 Listener
    Theirs and mine as their guardian - they are premium bond accounts.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • poppy123456poppy123456 Member Posts: 23,090 Disability Gamechanger
    Any savings £6,000 and over will affect means tested benefits £1 for every £250 over that amount. Anything £16,000 and more you won't be entitled to means tested benefits. If your name is on any savings account belonging to your children then it's possible that it can count as your savings and it will be up to a decision maker to decide.
    Proud winner of the 2019 empowering others award. This award was given for supporting disabled people and their families for the benefit advice I have given to members here on the community.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign in or join us to comment.