Applying for carers. Not a clue.

[skintbuthappyish]

Hi, I've just wrote a post but it disappeared so hopefully I haven't posted twice!

My mum gets full rate pip, she's very disabled and is housebound and needs a lot of care.

I finished maternity leave around Christmas and have been caring for her unpaid. I will be working 8 hours per week at £13.50 per hour and claiming universal credit for myself and my one year old.

I'm unsure about what to apply for or how to go about it? Does anyone know what I should be applying for please?

Carer's Allowance is classed as an "income" and I suspect if you claim it - it will be deducted from your UC.

I would see if you can claim the Carer's Element instead - which might be payable on top of your UC.

I would start by adding a note on your Journal to ask them if you claim it will the amount be deducted as income or would it be better for you to claim carer's element.

You need to make sure as well that your Mum doesn't get the severe disability premium if she gets ESA - as you can't claim carer's allowance for somebody who gets this.

It's complex!

Does your mum get Attendance Allowance? if not, she may well be entitled to it. It's not means tested. If she is entitled, do not apply online as it will be paid from when it's awarded and won't be back dated. Ring up and get the form. Fill in by hand and send off. If granted, it will be back dated to when they receive the form.

Her Mum gets PIP ^^ You can't get PIP and AA at the same time.

If her Mum gets PIP she might be under retirement age - and getting ESA.

OP needs to give more information - because as I say - if she gets UC and just fills out the form for Carers and sends off all that will happen is that they will just deduct the CA from her UC in any event.

If your mum is iro a means tested benefit and gets severe disability premium this will be affected if you claim carers.

Carers allowance is taken off UC pound for pound but is worth claiming as you will receive a national insurance stamp.

For UC you need to report yourself as a carer. Leaving a note on your journal will not make the change.
Click on Report a Change and then I think it is just Caring for Someone.

My mum was on UC and had pip but now she's on state pension, but still gets pip

I don't understand why carers is taken pound for pound from universal credit, when if you're employed you can earn up to £350'a month before they take any money from you. It makes no sense

Because you can claim the carers premium on UC.