Just started getting DLA- am I now a carer?

[DontYouLeaveMe]

After months of fighting I’ve received the letter saying I will receive DLA for my child. One of the things it mentioned is being a carer. Now I’m not really his carer (any more than a usual parent is!) and I’m not planning on trying to claim money to be. But Im looking to book a trip and it says tickets for carers, just need to show proof of receipt of DLA? So can I book myself as a carer? (I’ll be honest, the tickets are much cheaper and anything that will help right now!)

Lots of people don't claim carer's allowance as you have to earn less than £132 a week to be eligible. If you get universal credit or tax credits make sure you inform them of the DLA award as it will increase your payments. If your child is six or over help them apply for a Blue Peter badge; most places that they get free admission to will allow a carer in free as well. If your child struggles queuing most theme parks will give you a fast pass but you may need a doctor's letter not just the DLA letter for that.

@Maiyakat ooh that’s interesting thank you!

You will not be able to claim Carers allowance if you earn more then £132 a week. However if you claim Universal Credit there is no earnings threshold for claiming the Uc carers element which has similar criteria.

Really glad you asked this and to read the replies. My DD was awarded HRC & HRM this year but we are going on holiday soon and this is the first time I've seen the option for tickets to attractions. Wasn't sure what to do. I don't get carer's allowance as that's means tested but think from the t&c I am still entitled to a carer's ticket when accompanying her.

I've never claimed carers because I work FT.

Always got a carers ticket at every attraction when they are offered.

Felt slightly guilty when ds was small and at an age an adult had to accompany him anyway.

Been a godsend cost wise and made it possible to take him on days out since he's been older and still needing to be taken by an adult.

Yes you are a carer. Make sure you are registered as such with your GP.

You can be a carer and not get any benefits

I scanned DS's award letter into my phone so I always have a copy in case we need to show it.

If you’re a carer you can have a flu jab.

I'm a carer for one of my DC, my local council has an organisation where you can get a photo ID recognising you as such. Only got it as I wasn't sure if a photo of the DLA letter would be ok. Maybe look into what your local area has too.

Thanks @IronChef ill have a look

Some places it will depend what level of DLA you get. It isn't always that straightforward

Yes, if you still get child tax credits you get the disabled child allowance, if you don't work you can claim carers allowance & if not you may get a carers credit on your council tax.

You can get a bus pass that entitles carers to free travel as well.

That varies from bus company and authority

Thank you @DontYouLeaveMe for starting this thread I don't get carers allowance because I earn above the threshold I've always wondered this about carers discounts. It's been really helpful to get the tips. 😊

Thanks @Punkypinky ! It’s been really helpful hasn’t it?

As well as registering with gp as a carer (I was told I could be fast tracked to be seen under certain circumstances due to being a carer - when it came to covid vaccinations this was true!) also find out if you council has an emergency register also. In the event of an emergency your household will be contacted and given priority.
Check your local Offer (Google your council local offer) all services will be listed there

For example ......

Also search for carers groups. We have esco which does an interview to make sure you are accessing everything you are entitled to. We found out about subsidised holidays available to us via the council!
Carers uk is good also. You can dip in and out of services as you need them.
Any discounts, blue badges, bus passes etc will be according to your council budget, but these services mentioned can help you navigate what is available locally

Loads of people who are carers don’t recognise themselves as such.

Which in itself is a bad thing. Without the acknowledgment carers (especially parent carers) won’t access the little support there is out there for them.

without acknowledging it it’s hard to acknowledge how tough it can be. Parent carer burn out is a very real thing and the first step in helping is to accept that and that’s it’s ok to ask for help.

Yes. It is a bad thing.

it’s a real problem that we don’t do enough to help carers to recognise that they are carers and that they deserve support too.

This is so infuriating! If you get DLA your child does need more care than an average child that's the point. So if you get mid to high rate care for more than 35 hours (which you will) and earn under the allowable amount... last time I look it was only about £124 a week, you can claim carers allowance. But even if you can't you need to register as a carer with your gp for flu vaccines being able to sort stuff out after age 16.
Dla will also allow you to claims free carers and reduced rates as some attractions and activities.