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SN children

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Original poster

carers allowance

15 replies

neasels · 01/01/2008 18:48

I wondered whether anyone could tell me if applying for carers allowance for my son would affect either his DLA or our child benefit?

I have read the notes but still not 100% confident and want to be before I apply.

Thanks in advanced!!
x

OP posts:

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 01/01/2008 19:18

neasels - neither are affected. You have to be getting mid rate DLA IIRC. You can work but are only allowed to earn a certain amount, around £90.

Original poster

neasels · 01/01/2008 19:20

Thanks for that! Worth applying then!

OP posts:

crimplene · 01/01/2008 21:11

I've got another question about it (having spent the day filling out forms)...Do child tax credits count within the income allowance for it?

needmorecoffee · 02/01/2008 08:48

we get CA plus CTC. Having said that, when I applied for CA I just put down my income which is nil.
But far as I know, CTC is like IS and not counted.
Do you have a dp? If so, fill in the CA form on your income and allocate the CTC/CB to him.
However, if you claim IS, that is affected by CA. So they take away some of your income support cos you are rich!

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 02/01/2008 09:46

CTC isn't included as income for Carers. But Carers is included as income for CTC/WFTC.

crimplene · 02/01/2008 13:03

Cheers! that's good news - my income is so low, it won't reduce the amount of CTC I get if I get Carer's as well.

DS's father and I are friends, and we still live in the same commune but we're not an item - so it's me that has to apply. He was talking about applying for the CA (or I think in his case Carers Premium as he's on IS) once I start work again as he's supposed to be looking after DS a bit more when I do; but I'm not really happy for him to claim it as he entertains DS when it suits him or if I ask nicely, but he considers it babysitting, doesn't really take responsibility for anything and won't do the unpleasant stuff. Will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Graciefer · 02/01/2008 13:10

Just to add, make sure the child tax credit office are aware that your child/children claim DLA and at what rate, as there is a disabled child elements that significantly increase your CTF.

Just thought I would add this for people who were not aware

Original poster

neasels · 02/01/2008 15:21

Thanks all for this! It's amazing what you are not told hey...
xx

OP posts:

Original poster

neasels · 02/01/2008 18:52

Phoned CTC and they shall pay more now so thank you Graciefer!!

OP posts:

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 02/01/2008 19:00

Yay!

You can usually get some sort of pass for the cinema too neasels - where a carer gets in free. And have a look at your council website - they often have leisure passes for carers. Carry a copy of your DLA award letter when you go too so that you can get concession rates at venues.

Graciefer · 02/01/2008 19:01

No problem, make sure they back date and that they are paying you at the correct rate, I think it is:

Lower? & Middle rate DLA = disabled child element - £2,440

Higher rate DLA = severely disabled child element - an additional £980

I say to check they are paying the correct rate, as I know someone who informed the CTC office that their child was receiving middle rate DLA, however was paid the severely disabled child element and then had to pay back almost £1,000.

They did however get a significant amount of back pay, so always worth making sure you are getting it back dated and that you are getting the correct rate.

PeachyHasAFiggyPudInTheOven · 02/01/2008 19:10

Agree with checking artes- worked in reverse for us, ds1 was getting higher rate but only the middle rate CTC so we had a nice fat backpayment about 6 months ago.

Graciefer · 02/01/2008 19:55

I am not sure what is more annoying:

A: The fact that they don't make you aware of what you are entitled to in the first place.

B: The fact they then go on to make a total mess of everything, after you have finally found out yourself what you are entitled to.

Same scenerio for anything in regards to SN it seems, like has been said many times before, I have found out more in my time as a mumsnet member from other members then I have off any official organisations.

Original poster

neasels · 03/01/2008 21:45

What wonderful news! You have made my day guys!! Every penny helps when you have to stay at home more than you would have hoped for!

OP posts:

needmorecoffee · 04/01/2008 09:21

don't forget carers can get in places free. I never have to ask with dd at the zoo but then she's in a wheelchair but went to @Bristol with ds1 (ASD) and just asked. They let me in for free. I have no shame
You might also be able to get a disabled person's bus pass if your child has mobility problems. We have one for dd and it allows a companion to travel free on all buses with her plus use community transport for free (althoug our local one are bastards and we fell out with them)
Free bus travel will be rolled out across the whole country in April. So my pass I will be able to use anywhere. whoop.

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