This week, Carers UK published a report on the crisis caused by Carer’s Allowance and overpayments returns requested by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
Carer’s Allowance is currently paid at a rate of £81.90 per week. In Scotland, you may receive more than this, due to the Carer’s Allowance Supplement – but the rules on overpayments are the same.
If you earn below the threshold of £151 per week (and meet the other criteria listed below), you are eligible for Carer’s Allowance. However, because many carers have fluctuating levels of income (due to irregular hours of paid work, sometimes working overtime, etc.), it can be hard to keep track of exactly how much you earn each week. When a carer’s earnings are irregular, the DWP decides how these should be averaged and if there is no pattern, the earnings are usually averaged over a five-week period. If you earn even a few pence or £1 over the weekly threshold of £151, this is considered an overpayment, which means you must pay back all of the Carer’s Allowance you have received for that period. If there are any changes to your caring circumstances or income, you must inform the Carer’s Allowance Unit via the UK Government website. You can also call them on 0800 731 0297 (textphone: 0800 731 0317). If you do not let the DWP know about these changes to your circumstances, and you keep receiving Carer’s Allowance when you are no longer entitled to it (even if unknowingly), this is classed as an overpayment. The DWP would then notify you that you need to pay it back. More information is available on the Carers UK website. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us on: 0808 196 6666 or centre@vocal.org.uk (Edinburgh) 0808 196 6666 (select option 2 when you call this number) or midlothian@vocal.org.uk (Midlothian) – and a member of our benefits team can help you. What is the issue?
What are the eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance?
What exactly is meant by providing 35 hours of care per week?
What are the qualifying benefits that my cared-for person receives?
How do I avoid overpayments?
Which changes do I need to tell the DWP about?