- Posts: 1
- Forum
- Members forums
- ESA, PIP and DLA Queries and Results
- Does applying for Carers Allowance trigger a move to UC?
× Members
Does applying for Carers Allowance trigger a move to UC?
- smurfette1
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
2 years 6 months ago #272147 by smurfette1
Does applying for Carers Allowance trigger a move to UC? was created by smurfette1
Good morning
This is my first post. I am in receipt of PIP at high rate care and high rate mobility. My husband is my carer but we have never claimed as we are under the impression that applying will trigger a move to Universal Credit and no income for 6-8 weeks which we can't afford.
Our 16 year old son recently received a diagnosis of level 3 autism, and the support officer at CAMHS has advised us to apply for PIP and carers, my husband for me, and me for our son.
We have downloaded the PIP guide and just finished a draft of the information for the form which we will post tomorrow. I haven't done anything about carers yet and can't find any definitive information about an application triggering a change form legacy benefits to Universal Credit.
I am hoping that somebody has experience of this.
Thanks
This is my first post. I am in receipt of PIP at high rate care and high rate mobility. My husband is my carer but we have never claimed as we are under the impression that applying will trigger a move to Universal Credit and no income for 6-8 weeks which we can't afford.
Our 16 year old son recently received a diagnosis of level 3 autism, and the support officer at CAMHS has advised us to apply for PIP and carers, my husband for me, and me for our son.
We have downloaded the PIP guide and just finished a draft of the information for the form which we will post tomorrow. I haven't done anything about carers yet and can't find any definitive information about an application triggering a change form legacy benefits to Universal Credit.
I am hoping that somebody has experience of this.
Thanks
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8255
2 years 6 months ago #272164 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Does applying for Carers Allowance trigger a move to UC?
Hi smurfette1
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
Applying for Carers Allowance does not trigger a move to UC, CA is not means tested. www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.
You may have a problem in claiming carers allowance if you yourself are in receipt of the enhanced PIP, both components.
You may need to explain (preferably in writing, in advance) how you meet the PIP descriptors and exactly what you have to do for your child, so showing how that is possible with your condition.
It is always worth pointing out that there is no real set definition as to what constitutes “care” for CA and it has always been wider than that for entitlement to the care component of DLA or PIP. Remember there is no “carers” test to assess suitability it is merely a question of providing 35hrs+ care.
The DMG states:
“60041 Although there is no legal definition of “caring”, it is reasonable to expect that the severely disabled person and the carer are together for most of the time.”
So although they say care provided must be “regular and substantial” it doesn’t have to be any set format, it is a question of highlighting what descriptors apply and outlining why the care provided isn’t inconsistent with that.
Gary
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
Applying for Carers Allowance does not trigger a move to UC, CA is not means tested. www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.
You may have a problem in claiming carers allowance if you yourself are in receipt of the enhanced PIP, both components.
You may need to explain (preferably in writing, in advance) how you meet the PIP descriptors and exactly what you have to do for your child, so showing how that is possible with your condition.
It is always worth pointing out that there is no real set definition as to what constitutes “care” for CA and it has always been wider than that for entitlement to the care component of DLA or PIP. Remember there is no “carers” test to assess suitability it is merely a question of providing 35hrs+ care.
The DMG states:
“60041 Although there is no legal definition of “caring”, it is reasonable to expect that the severely disabled person and the carer are together for most of the time.”
So although they say care provided must be “regular and substantial” it doesn’t have to be any set format, it is a question of highlighting what descriptors apply and outlining why the care provided isn’t inconsistent with that.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David