Hi Crad2
n case you are not aware your email address is showing as your user name and can leave you open to unwanted emails, we would advise you to change your user name, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum Your question is outside the remit of the forum,
In my day job I come across your situation quite often, When you reach state pension age carers allowance will stop due to over lapping benefit, what this means is that you cannot claim carers allowance and state pension at the same time, the highest award is paid which is usually SP but as you stated you have an underlying entitlement.
Your friend should apply for their state pension 3 months before their retirement date, they should receive a letter from the Pension Service asking them to apply, if their NSP is less than £230.25 pw then they can apply for Guarantee Pension Credit which will top up their pension to £227.10 pw. As your friend has an underlying entitlement to CA they will be entitled to an additional carer premium £46.40, therefore GPC = £273.50 less SP.
Gary
