The scenario of financial support for seniors and people related to them have gone through some significant changes over the years to address their various needs in the United Kingdom. One of them includes Carer’s Allowance for seniors in UK, a monetary benefit implemented to assist those people who provide care who are aged or are occupied with disabilities or health conditions.
However recently, some concerns have started brewing up around a suggested £173 Carer’s Allowance for seniors in UK. This article would aim to seek clarity on this claim, along with overview and eligibility criteria and the process to apply or claim the allowance.
£173 Carer’s Allowance in UK
Carer’s Allowance in UK is a financial benefit provided by the federal government to those individuals who dedicate at least 35 hours per week to care for someone who is old or is with a disability or serious illness. To qualify, the person being put into care must be receiving specific disability or old age benefits, and there is an income limit for the carer. The weekly allowance amount of £76.75aims to support those who take on care giving responsibilities and miss their other opportunities such as job or further education.
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The application process involves giving details about the care giving situation, carer’s income, and the disability benefits received by the care recipient. The carer shouldn’t be related with the care recipient and is not required to live with the recipient. Additionally, if carer’s income exceeds the Personal Allowance, then they may have to pay tax on the Carer’s Allowance.
Claiming Carer’s Allowance can impact other benefits received by both the carer and the care recipient. For each week the care receives the Carer’s Allowance, they may automatically earn some credit points in National Insurance credits.
There has been news that it might get increased up to £173 Carer’s Allowance for seniors in UK after meeting with all eligibility criteria due to increase in the cost-of-living allowances in UK. As of now, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is yet to make an announcement, but carers are hopeful that it will get increased to accommodate the needs due to rising inflation.
Overview of £173 Carer’s Allowance for Seniors in UK
| Name | £173 Carer’s Allowance for seniors in UK |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Regulating body / Department | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Government Aid – Finance |
| Objective | Financially support carers. |
| Applicable persons | All people of England, Scotland, or Wales. |
| Age Limit | 16+ years |
| Amount (per week basis) | Current Rate – £76.75
Expected Rate – £173 |
| Payment Duration | Every 4 weeks (normal)
Every 1 week (advance payment) |
| Website | https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance |
Eligibility criteria for £173 Carer’s Allowance for Seniors in UK
- Carer Eligibility:
- Age: 16 years or older.
- Caring Hours: Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
- Earnings Limit: Should not exceed £139 per week after tax, national Insurance, and other expenses.
- Residency: Resident of England, Scotland, or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (unless carer is refugee or have humanitarian protection status).
- Education and Immigration Status:
- The status should not be in full-time education.
- Status should not be studying for 21 hours a week or more.
- The Status of both should not be subject to immigration control.
- Care recipient must already receive anyone of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
- Constant Attendance Allowance at basic rate with a War Disablement Pension.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care rate)
- Adult Disability Payment (daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate)
- Type of Care Provided: Carer’s responsibilities can include:
- Assisting with washing and cooking.
- Accompanying to doctor’s appointments.
- Helping with household tasks such as managing bills and shopping.
How to apply and claim for £173 Cares Allowance ?
Apply Process:
- Eligibility Check: Carer should first check the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Gather Necessary Information:
- National Insurance number.
- Bank or building society details (unless you receive your State Pension).
- Employment details and latest payslip if working.
- P45 for recently finished work.
- Course details if studying.
- Details of any expenses (e.g., pension contributions or childcare costs) related to caring responsibilities.
- Details of the care recipient, like their date of birth, address, National Insurance number (if they’re 16 or over), or Disability Living Allowance reference (if they’re under 16).
Application Process:
- Online: Apply online using https://www.carersallowance.service.gov.uk/ui-citizen-claim/disclaimer.
- Offline: Carer can download and print Carer’s Allowance claim form (DS700), fill and send by post to DPW’s office.
Claim: The carer can backdate claim by up to 3 months from the date applied and can check the status by calling on Carer’s Allowance helpline at 08007310297.
Impact on other benefits due to £173 Cares Allowance for Seniors in UK
- Care recipient: You may stop receiving the Severe Disability Premium and extra amount for severe disability paid with Pension Credit.
- Carer Benefits:
- Total benefits will usually either increase or remain the same.
- If receiving Universal Credit, then payment will be reduced by the Carer’s Allowance amount.
- Carer can receive National Insurance credits based on the benefits which would further qualify for other benefits and State Pension.
- Pension Credit payments may increase due to Carer’s Allowance in case of State Pension age.
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