Caring and Being Cared For – An Overview of the Benefits Available and How They Interact

The recent publicity surrounding the overpayment of Carer’s Allowance has made it clear that this is a complex area of benefits law. The October 24 Budget announcement of a significant increase in the earnings rule for Carer’s Allowance is welcome – but this is only half the story.

Which benefits can be claimed when a carer depends on the carer’s age, earnings and whether other benefits are in scope. There may be further complications to consider, such as the effect of ‘non-dependant deductions’ if a cared-for person lives in the home of their carer.

This session will look in detail at the array of benefits available to carers, the positive consequences of being viewed by the DWP as a carer, and the possible consequences for all parties of such arrangements.

This session will supply you with the vital information you need, including:

• Claiming Carer’s Allowance – eligibility criteria, earnings rules and national insurance consequences
• Claiming the Carer Element of Universal Credit and how this intersects with Carer’s Allowance
• Positive protections for carers within the work-search regime
• Holistic advice – what are the consequences of carer/cared-for arrangements and which scenarios attract non-dependant deductions?
• Resources, links and useful organisations

Jayne Knights, Welfare Benefits Consultant – Renaissance Legal Ltd