Should I apply for Carers Allowance?

[Buildingupandup]

I had a payment into my account yesterday from DLA. As far as I can tell we've been awarded middle rate, so I could apply for carers allowance. But should I? I know you have to care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. But how do they work that out? E.g. my son is watching TV while climbing on the sofa. I' m sitting nearby. I'm not really hands on caring , but I am supervising. But don't all four year olds need 35 hours supervising a week?

I would say go for it. If you've been awarded that level then it's obviously for good reason. I put off applying for DLA for ages as I thought similar 'what 4 year old doesn't need supervision?' but paediatrician, SENDCO and health visitor all advised it so I did in the end. If my child gets awarded mid or high rate I now plan to leave my job and claim carers allowance to enable me to better meet my child's needs. At the end of the day you're entitled to it so there's no reason why you shouldn't

Thanks! I hope you get an answer to your application soon and that you'll be able to stop working.

Assuming you are otherwise eligible, apply for carer’s allowance. Supervision is a form of caring. All young children need supervision. Some disabled children need supervision in excess of that typically required of peers the same age. For example, some 4 year olds would need someone in the house with them while they were watching TV. Others would need someone in the room at all times because of their disability.

I will apply. Thanks for your advice!

Yes apply . Caring means that you spend that amount of time with them . Even if this is the same amount of time anyone spends with their child , your child has needs so you are eligible .

Apply for it if you earn under £151 a week, it goes towards your national insurance contributions while your a carer, but always depends on circumstances if your working or on UC or tax credits and thing like that as carers is classed as an income then