DLA/CA/UC

[FlakyGoldFish]

Hello all,

I have recently applied for child DLA for my son (5). I’ve been advised that he should be entitled to MRC, but still awaiting decision. If he is awarded I will also claim CA.

Atm, I’m working part-time, but I am hoping to leave work in September to care for my son.

I’m not currently on UC, but would be able to claim when I stop working. Partner works full-time.

Please could anyone advise, what should I do first if I get his DLA. Should I apply for CA first or UC? How long are claims taking for both?

Also, what happens with CA and the caters element of UC?

Sorry, in new to all this…

First question is what are your part time earnings. If, after any tax/NI they're more than £151/week then you won't get Carers Allowance.

On UC, if you're spending more than 35 hours a week as a Carer for somebody on DLA/PIP then Universal Credit will add a Carer Element of £198.31/month to you're award. However, if you are getting Carers Allowance UC will be reduced £/£ for the amount of Carers.

Universal Credit claims are processed 'on the fly' and I've never heard of anybody not getting the first payment after 1 month + 1 week because of processing delay. Obviously other issues like ID, Right to Reside or Housing Costs can cause delay.

If you want to get advice on UC and an estimate of what you'd get either now or when you stop working it's worth contacting Help to Claim which is run by Citizens Advice.

Thank you,

I would only claim CA when I stop working, which is why I’m waiting for his DLA decision.

I will look up that advice, thank you