How do I add carers element to universal credit?

[PinkPolkaDotUmberella]

Got an existing UC, dh works full time earning 67K a year, we have 2 dc and rent from a HA, we get roughly £650pcm UC. I’ve been caring full time for my mil for a few years and recently found out from the district nurse that as mil gets PIP at the highest rate I am entitled to claim carers element from UC. How would I go about claiming this element? Mil doesn’t live with us but I care for her 7 days per week and over the minimum 35 hours a week.

sadly not, foolish enough to have the number of dc can support, and even more foolish to have a mortgage so will have an asset the government can seize to make sure that in the future they can bleed all my savings to make sure those who’ve never contributed to society or saved get the same level of care for free!

Only a small percentage of people of people actually end up in care homes. Hopefully that won't be you. I completely get what you're saying though.

Yes. It’s just ridiculous that someone on £67k is receiving a high amount of UC. The system needs to change.

I saw an example on a UC advice group, a couple with 6 children one on DLA, renting after April will get over £5k every 4 weeks all in with child benefit, carers etc.

For all those whining about a £4k per month net salary getting that much UC it's based on cost of living and certain areas require more UC. High rents and low wages even £4kpcm don't get you much.

For example £4,000 a month here for rent, bills and travel won't stretch very far at all. I earn £3000pm net and I still get UC as my housing element is £1000 and my childcare element is nearly £1750. If I was just left to pay that out of £3000 when rent and childcare alone is £3000? Why should I work a stressful job and not be able to get by? It is tne cost of living vs wages that is the real issue here.

So -
Personal allowance - £400
Child 1 - £290
Child 2 - £290
Childcare - £1750
Housing - £1000

= £3730
Minus £1425 (roughly) for wage deduction
= £2305 UC

This is why Reform will get in.

Yes but that’s not the case here is it?

I wouldn’t say £850 pcm rent is particularly high. And £67k - wouldn’t say that’s a particularly low wage either.

You don't know that her rent is £850? That could well be LHA in her area. For example the LHA here is £970 for a 2 bed. 2 bed houses are in the region of £1300.

I'm also very worried that by the time I retire, state pension will be means teated and those who have private and work pensions won't be entitled to state pension

The system does feel crazy at times... madness a family with income of 67k is entitled to UC

Yes, I know that but their housing element of universal credit (regardless of what they need to pay) is still £850 so not an excessive amount of their universal credit is made up of housing element.

To clear a few things up we live in a four bed fully adapted housing association house so £850 covers the full rent and service charge.

I did work and took home about £58k a year then my third dc was born with a disability and I had to stop working, what was I meant to do give her back! There are some vile comments on here which seem to stem from unfounded jealousy.

Just putting it out there, then she moves if she can’t afford the rent there - Reform will be in government in a few years time, what’s she going to do then? People making decisions based on unsustainable support from the government

£67k is a lot but if you are a family in London it really does not go far. It is proportionate to where you live - cost of rent, council tax etc is exorbitant in some areas.

This. I am very ‘left’ politically and pro benefits but totally shocked that a couple with a household income of £67,000 qualify for £600+ from the state.

Ditto with bells on!! X

£67k is substantial for a family, but it depends where you live in UK. Rent/mortgage, council tax in London area is exorbitant, you would only just get by with a family on this salary.

@Wellthisisdifficult I don’t know if you meant to so nasty but a disable child that needed an adapted house was not decision I made to claim a few pounds government support.

I’m going to apply for universal credit!!!!! I didn’t realise the threshold was that high! That is more than our combined income!
nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say!

Why didn't you claim carers element when your youngest got DLA?

Suprised they only get middle rate DLA if they need a house thats adapted

If you are mortgaged you probably won’t get anything - but do check.

Those in rental are absolutely quids in. And you’re not allowed to save. So the quality of living is exponential in comparison to someone standing on their own two feet. You HAVE to have those holidays/ expensive items/ spend it.

Relocating isn't a simple task is it? For example, I live in a 2 bed ff flat and my rent is £1100pm. A 2 bed flat is the bare minimum not exactly living the high life in 4 ned detached with a lovely garden. I can't just move? I work here for a start.

Stupid, stupid, stupid thing to suggest just moving.

As for reform, you're deluded. In government or not I doubt it will change much.

No it’s not stupid to suggest it. What is deluded is thinking this is sustainable long term. We relocated for various reasons, it’s really not that hard. If you can’t afford to live somewhere on a £67k income, you are living beyond you means, so move somewhere with cheaper living costs.

The welfare state needs a massive shake up. Why do you think Reform won’t change much. People need to readjust their expectations

Jesus, my partner and both work full time, combined income of approx 58k and we rent privately for £1400 per month. We qualify for nothing, can't get a HA property, have no savings and both too old for a mortgage. How on earth do you get UC with an income of 67k?? No wonder this country is going to the dogs.

Reforms plans are based around disability benefits and non working folk.

Why would someone relocate AWAY from a job that is likely to mean ending up with one that pays less? Weird. Anywhere within a 30mile radius of me won't be cheaper smd with the job market as is I wouldn't even think about moving! Perhaps cost of living should relate to wages 🤷‍♀️

It will be relative to where you live