Carer’s Allowance

Hi I wounded if anyone could help. I'm on ESA and for the last few years have been caring for someone that's on the higher rate of DLA I spend about 4-5 hrs helping her a day most days of the week. I do sometimes stay over night once or twice a week. Have just been put on the work program which means I could be tried up with that and not be able to help her so much. I have thought about coming off ESA and claiming Carer’s Allowance and income support I know she would lose some of her benefit but I would be getting more then I am on ESA so that would offset some of that. The big problem is that we both have the same surname and she is worried the DWP might think we are living together we are not and in fact don't I live in the same town. Is she right to worry I can see where she is coming from and the last thing she needs is the DWP investigating her for me seeing her 4-5 hrs a day and sometimes staying over night.

I would be very grateful for any help you can give.

Rob !

I am on ESA and care for my mum. I applied for Carer's Allowance just to see what it would be. I was told that as I look after her over 35 hours a week (though she has her own place) I have 'an underlying entitlement' to CA, but as my ESA is more, it cancels it out. So you will get less if you switch to CA. I don't know about IS, sorry. I can't get IS because my husband has savings just over what they allow.

Mum gets Attendance Allowance at higher rate, which is paid so that she can use it for help she needs eg., a private nurse, paying for a cleaner or meals on wheels.
I've been advised that, if I switch to CA, she will have this reduced. She knows this and is ok with it, understands, etc. But I was advised also that I should ask her to compensate for my loss of funds on CA out of her Attendance Allowance!!! There is no way I am going to ask my mum that.

The envisaged complications in your case sound awful- depends on who you get looking at your form I suppose sorry that I can't help.

Thanks for your input is is very helpful

Rob!