Carers allowance and apprenticeships

[Mar1382]

I am the primary carer for my son and receive carers allowance. I have applied to retrain as a Teaching assistant through an apprenticeship scheme and abit confused if I would still receive carers, I would be earning 129 per week before deductions, if any. I would only be working when my son is at school and term time only. Would I still get it?

You would still get it I think, but the amount you are allowed to earn is £128 - I think you'd get it but they would deduct some (but, they may take into account some deductions you already have).

Your best bet is to talk to DWP about it, or CAB?

Do you pay into a pension - if so half your pension deductions would not be counted so if out of 129 you pay say 10 into a pension, 5 of that would be ignored, your earnings would be 124 and so under the 128 permitted.

If you were to pay someone to care for the person you are looking after whilst you are working/learning - some of that would count too, but only up to a certain amount.

You would be best getting professional advice!

I wouldn't need anyone to look after him whilst I am working/learning as I would only work school hours.

I will make some calls to DWB and CAB.

Thanks for your help

I think you'd get it but they would deduct some

That's not how CA works, you either get the whole amount or nothing at all.

OP the limit is £128 but that is after deductions. Have a look on the Carers UK website for guidance on what can count, or give them a call.

Surely it would still be worthwhile doing the training even if you lose your carer's allowance.

I am still going to do the training. Start September. Just wanted to check

The earnings will be treated like any other job. Half your pension contributions can be deducted, so just calculate how much you're over the limit, double it and pay it into a pension. My salary is £737 a month so I pay £370 into my SIPP which brings my earnings below £128 a week. I get less money into my bank account even with Carer's Allowance but the money is still in my pension (plus tax relief added).

@Mar1382 were you still able to claim carers allowance whilst doing your apprenticeship scheme?