Can someone please explain benefits

[Mumtoboys1]

Hi, can someone please explain carers allowance and carers element to me please, at the minute I get carers element as part of universal credit but I'm unsure if I am eligible for carers allowance too or if I claim it what will it affect?

[Headfirstintothewild]

If you earn less than £139 after tax, NI and some expenses you can claim carer’s allowance.

If you claim carer’s allowance it will be deducted £ for £ from UC, but you should claim it if you are eligible because it gives better NI credits.

[Mumtoboys1]

So could I have Both.or if I get carers allowance will carers element go ??

[Headfirstintothewild]

You won’t lose the carer element on UC if you claim carer’s allowance. 

[Mumtoboys1]

But my UC will decrease a lot ?

[Headfirstintothewild]

Your UC would reduce by the amount of CA you receive. You won’t be worse off.