a carer is another name for sahm

[davidsotherhalf]

i had to give up work a few yrs ago to become a full time carer for my dd, as she couldn't attend school, she has now started residential college so me being a bit stupid thought i could claim jobseekers, i was told at the jobcentre i was nothing more than a sahm as being a carer isn't a job,i haven't paid national insurance in the past 2 yrs so i can't claim a penny, i'm so angry that us carers get treated like sh*t, we work 24/7 and get no thanks, we just get a kick in the teeth for doing our best....sorry for the rant

Does she get medium or higher rate dla? If so & you currently care 35 hours for her then you can claim £55 a week carers allowance.

If the dla and current caring hours don't stack up you are stuffed. The welfare state has some big holes in it. Get an appointment with CAB to help you get it sorted, and sign on every 2 weeks even if you get no money for the records.

If you are single CAB will sort you out with something thogh it may take time. You can ask for a budgeting loan from the social to tide you over till they sort it out. If your partner works it's more tricky.

dd's dla has been suspended as her dad has reported her for benefit fraud (he's not allowed to see her as he's abusive) she's now at a special needs residential college and only comes home some weekends and college holidays, (can't get carers as she isn't in receipt of dla) struggling to pick her up from college or even going to see her is difficult as it costs so much for petrol as it's 200 miles away, i went to welfare rights last week and they just laughed and said your not entitled to any benefits as you where classed as a stay at home mum even though you was a full time carer, i'm just so annoyed that carers get treated so badly, if it wasn't for us it would cost the gov millions in care....

I think many carers get a big shock when their disabled child reaches 18 and/or goes into residential accommodation. Financially, I will have to find work because I will not be eligible for any benefits. I am happy that I was there for my son when he needed me but I have some anxiety about finding future work given the gap in my employment history and the current recession. Maybe we should get help with the planning of how we are going to get back into the workforce before our children get to the transition stage. Unfortunately the reality is that we are all just too sleep deprived and stretched to start thinking about our own futures until we are no longer caring. It would be nice to be given some "thank you" help from the Govt at this stage e.g. free/subsidised training courses to update skills, help with jobseeking etc.

Maybe the Govt should consider extending Carers Allowance for 6 months after child leaves home or dies ?

OP: I assume that it is contributory JSA that you are not eligible for because of non contributions and that you are not eligible for income based JSA as you have some household income.

Being a carer or aven a SAHM for young children counts towards the state pension. I am shocked that it doesnt include jobseekers allowance. Carers really do get a raw deal

it makes it harder for me to get a job as i have to be full time carer in college holidays, unless i can afford to pay £15hr for a carer....dd had an assessment in aug and i was told when she's home she can't be left alone, i asked ss if i can get help with this and was told no i will have to pay for her care needs....i just feel so trapped as i can't do right for doing wrong, iyswim.....all i want is to go out to work.

How old is your dd? Does she claim any benefits other than DLA? Is she eligible for the Govt 16-19 bursary? Does her college have any discretionary funding which they can award to you to visit her and transport her between home and college?
I understood that if she is an adult now any social services charges will be means tested on her income not yours. Have you asked for a Carers Assessment? The council should take into account that you want to work rather than undertake the care during holidays. There is a very good (IMO) organisation called Working Families google it and you will find it as workingfamilies.org.uk. They are specialists at advising parent carers who want to combine caring with working. I think they have a helpline. I can understand your frustration.