Carer’s allowance.

[Pibplob]

Does anyone receive this? Just wondering how strict they are with the hours. I’m not sure how many I do so need to have a tott up. Also the £120 a week stipulation? I only work casual hours so most weeks I don’t earn this but some I may. Am I likely to be told I can’t get it as some weeks I may earn it but most weeks I don’t. Thanks.

You can get your wages averaged out and it is pay after reasonable deductions if memory serves so tax, NI, pension, childcare that sort of thing on the hours they are strict and it includes student hours (which includes expected study as well not just teaching hours) grossly unfair in my option but they are the rules and they are not likely to change, as a carer you are expected to not try and better yourself and remain poor. I'll

Thank you. Averaged out I will be fine for the wages part. I will have to add up how many hours I spend caring a week and see if it’s the right amount. How do you prove how many you do? They will obv need proof. Yeah it’s not a lot of money for the hours that we put in and no chance of much of a job on top 😢

They take into account partners earnings too? Notice they will want his national insurance number too. Maybe not 😢

They didn’t take into account my dh. Is the person your caring for on medium rate or high rate dla or pip, that’s how you qualify for it.

They don't require proof of the hours you do the caring.
Your partners income is not taken into account but carers does count towards taxable household income.

We are about to apply for pip but haven’t done so yet. Looks like I will have to wait a bit. Just trying to help her get the most money she can. Such a minefield and doesn’t seem to be that much out there. (I know carers allowance would be for me but I would have passed it on as she’s so worried about finances)

You'll need the gateway benefit in place first.

Give them a ring, the carers people are extremely helpful. Much better than any other department.

They don't take into consideration your partner's wages, no, but they are incredibly strict and you must report any change in circumstances immediately (not when your taxes come due). I was paid 50p over the threshold this year and am facing a fine. (my own fault, I was spineless and allowed myself to be pushed into taking on too many hours one week)

You don’t need to prove how many hours of caring you do each week, and your partners income isn’t taken into account, just your own. Carers allowance is included in tax credits award calculations etc however, so it may be worth doing a hypothetical award calculation before you apply (google “entitled to” to do this- the benefit calculator is there).

Definitely apply for Pip as quickly as you can. Even getting to the first stage (medical assessment after sending the form in) can be 3-6 months and then it’s another 6/12 weeks after that for a decision. You need pip in place before you can apply for carers allowance.

Blimey really. Can pip be backdated? Shit she really needs that money. How long does esa take? Thanks x

If you are paid monthly it's averaged over the month but it's really strict, a penny too much and you get a letter! The hours caring are what you declare - a non issue if you live with the person as you are always caring! but if you don't live with them they can check up, not sure how often this happens but be wary

Pip is backdated to when you first request the form. Or at least it was anyway unless they’ve recently changed it.

Pip is backdated to the date of application potentially btw

Ok thanks. It’s nearly 3 months since diagnosis and problems so can I ask for form now and by the time it goes through/ we receive it - it will be over 3 months? Sooo complicated.