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Carers

Caring for elderly relatives? Supercarers can help

Original poster

Carers allowance

13 replies

Mystical1981 · 12/12/2024 10:24

Can someone help me pls with this carers allowance. I am currently caring for my daughter I cannot work due to thus so applied for carers allowance. I gwt £304 a month for this. I then recieved my universal credit and noticed that deducted £350 from my universal credit for the carers allowance. What is the point in being on carers allowance if you don't get any extra money. I'm struggling I had to home school my daughter bills are more expensive now and I can't work. What's the point in the carers allowance?

OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 12/12/2024 10:27

It pays a higher stamp than universal credit so covers your pension

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 12/12/2024 10:28

It can be used as proof for things like accessing short break funds.
Also, for people not on UC, such as someone with a partner who earns, you do keep the money and it's your only source of income. But massive reforms to the system are needed. Including to the income cap.

Theunamedcat · 12/12/2024 10:29

You should also be given carers credit on UC

They arnt actually taking more it's because UC is paid every month and carers is every week it balances out in the end

Original poster
Mystical1981 · 12/12/2024 10:50

Thanks for replying so it isn't worth it really because I am struggling now so I would be better to cancel the carers allowance

OP posts:
Original poster
Mystical1981 · 12/12/2024 10:52

Theunamedcat · 12/12/2024 10:29

You should also be given carers credit on UC

They arnt actually taking more it's because UC is paid every month and carers is every week it balances out in the end

Yes thanks I see that on my statement but if I'm getting £3648 a year from carers but uc are taking £3648 a year from me there's no point in having it

OP posts:
minimama2boys · 12/12/2024 11:02

I don't know the requirements but I look after my special needs 3 year old and work part time whilst he is in nursery. I wasn't eligible for carers allowance as I earnt to much but i was eligible for the carers element and disability child element on universal credit. Might be worth looking into.

SelfCareBear · 12/12/2024 11:04

Yeah it's very unfair and it does feel pointless claiming it. As others have said it does pay a higher NI stamp so long term is worth it.

Are you getting the Carers Element on your UC claim? This is worth about £198 a month.

TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44 · 12/12/2024 11:06

Don't cancel it ffs. You'll get an extra bump of universal credit, I think its £30 pw or around that. You need to contact UC and make sure this has been done.

Most importantly it pays a higher stamp so you'll be living in slightly less poverty in your old age. It is absolutely worth claiming.

Oh and it also entitles you to a carers assessment, contact your local carers support group and ask for an assessment.......I've never bothered tbh but friends have had short breaks up to £1000 per year funded and things like driving lessons and help with utility bills. They'll also do a benefits check up for you to make sure you're getting everything you can.

SelfCareBear · 12/12/2024 11:10

TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44 · 12/12/2024 11:06

Don't cancel it ffs. You'll get an extra bump of universal credit, I think its £30 pw or around that. You need to contact UC and make sure this has been done.

Most importantly it pays a higher stamp so you'll be living in slightly less poverty in your old age. It is absolutely worth claiming.

Oh and it also entitles you to a carers assessment, contact your local carers support group and ask for an assessment.......I've never bothered tbh but friends have had short breaks up to £1000 per year funded and things like driving lessons and help with utility bills. They'll also do a benefits check up for you to make sure you're getting everything you can.

Getting Carers Allowance doesn't entitle you to any extra Universal Credit whatsoever, it just means you get the CA deducted £ for £ so actually you get less UC. So there's no immediate financial benefit to claiming it, if you're on UC.

The Carers Element of UC can be paid whether you get Carers Allowance or not. I get the element but not the allowance (due to my earnings).

Still worth it long term though, I agree.

Theunamedcat · 15/12/2024 20:16

It pays a higher stamp than UC that's the point

fatandtrying · 03/02/2025 10:50

Mystical1981 · 12/12/2024 10:52

Yes thanks I see that on my statement but if I'm getting £3648 a year from carers but uc are taking £3648 a year from me there's no point in having it

Show quote history

you should be also be getting a carers element on UC, you aren't worse off on carers it's just taken off the UC

destiel00 · 03/02/2025 11:02

You aren't worse off.

And CA will pay your state pension stamp.

Mischance · 03/02/2025 11:08

I know it is frustrating but don't cancel it. It is an overlapping benefit, but, having established your entitlement to it, it will passport you to other things, as people have outlined above. Hang on to your entitlement like grim death.

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