DLA, Carers Allowance and Income Support

After following the guidelines in the pdf I was successful in having my DLA renewed at the middle rate. I thought that it was only fair that my friend who has been helping to look after me for free since last November should apply for carers allowance. She got a letter today telling her that Carers Allowance had been awarded.

At the moment she receives £93 per week Income support. They are going to give £55 per week carers but cut her income support by £55. They will then give her a carers premium of £31. So they are expecting her to look after me for a minimum of 35 hours per week for £31.

She is normally here for about 40 - 45 hours per week so that makes an hourly rate of 68p.

What a ridiculous situation, talk about getting care on the cheap. I am assuming there is absolutely nothing that can be done about this.

TrevorR wrote:

After following the guidelines in the pdf I was successful in having my DLA renewed at the middle rate. I thought that it was only fair that my friend who has been helping to look after me for free since last November should apply for carers allowance. She got a letter today telling her that Carers Allowance had been awarded.

At the moment she receives £93 per week Income support. They are going to give £55 per week carers but cut her income support by £55. They will then give her a carers premium of £31. So they are expecting her to look after me for a minimum of 35 hours per week for £31.

She is normally here for about 40 - 45 hours per week so that makes an hourly rate of 68p.

What a ridiculous situation, talk about getting care on the cheap. I am assuming there is absolutely nothing that can be done about this.

Hi T,

Well done on gaining your award of DLA

I'm afraid this scenario is due to what is called "overlapping benefits".

You are correct in your assumption.

cheers

bro58

The trouble is, 'care' is seen as a luxury, that many people can't afford.

My elderly relative is completely bed bound and only receives 2 hours 'care' a day at the moment.

Best wishes,
Rachel

TrevorR wrote:

After following the guidelines in the pdf I was successful in having my DLA renewed at the middle rate. I thought that it was only fair that my friend who has been helping to look after me for free since last November should apply for carers allowance. She got a letter today telling her that Carers Allowance had been awarded.

At the moment she receives £93 per week Income support. They are going to give £55 per week carers but cut her income support by £55. They will then give her a carers premium of £31. So they are expecting her to look after me for a minimum of 35 hours per week for £31.

She is normally here for about 40 - 45 hours per week so that makes an hourly rate of 68p.

What a ridiculous situation, talk about getting care on the cheap. I am assuming there is absolutely nothing that can be done about this.

They are not paying all of the care cost, its towards the cost of extra help I think you will find most people pay money over and above CA to people who care for them, money from say DLA which is one of the reasons you get DLA. and also some people get money from Social services towards care costs.. Have you seeked advise from experts on funding for the care you need ?

£49 middle care and care allowance is £105 a week thats £2.60 an hour still low but better than £31 a week

get advise from CAB or social services,