4 hours Ago By Katie Elliott
A change to the Carer’s Allowance benefit will allow an extra 60,000 people to claim the £333 monthly payment from today. As of April 7, the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) increased the earnings threshold from £151 to £196 per week. This means carers can earn up to £45 more weekly and still qualify for the Carer Allowance payment.
It’s estimated that 60,000 more people will become eligible for the benefit, which is currently worth £83.30 per week. The payment rate increased by 1.
7% this week, along with other DWP benefit s. Charity Carers UK has welcomed the change, which is the most significant increase in the earnings limit for the benefit since it was introduced in 1976. Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “We know that the earnings limit is a barrier to taking on more work for carers.
Some have cut back hours, switched jobs or even given up work completely. This will make a notable difference to many.” To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, claimants must first be 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives the following means-tested benefits : Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) - daily living component Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate Attendance Allowance Pension Age Disability Payment Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate.
The claimant must have been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, must not be in full-time education, and cannot be studying for 21 hours a week or more. They must also live in England, Scotland, or Wales and earn £196 or less a week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses. The Government website lists expenses to include: 50% of their pension contributions Equipment needed to do a job, for example, specialist clothing Travel costs between different workplaces that are not paid for by the employer, for example, fuel or train fares Business costs if someone is self-employed, for example, a computer they only use for work.
If the above criteria apply, it should be noted that this is a taxable payment and can affect other benefits claimants might already be receiving. When a person receives Carer’s Allowance, the person they care for will usually stop receiving the severe disability premium paid with their benefits, as well as the extra amount for severe disability paid with pension credit . It may also stop them from getting reduced council tax.
To check the impact that Carer’s Allowance might have on the severe disability payment, claimants are advised to contact whoever pays this benefit, which is usually the person’s local council, Jobcentre Plus, the Pension Service Helpline, or Universal Credit. If people think they are eligible to claim, they can start an application on the Government website here , or they can call 0800 731 0297 for a form..
