Carer’s Allowance alert as a claim may impact a person’s state pension payments

Carer’s Allowance is designed to help those who are caring for someone at least 35 hours a week where the person is receiving certain benefits. The sum, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is currently set at £67.60 per week for those who are eligible. A person does not have to be related to, or live with the person they are caring for to be able to claim. 

However, Carers UK has said it may be worth making a claim, as “underlying entitlement” could be confirmed.

Underlying entitlement recognises a person would have been able to receive Carer’s Allowance if it were not for an overlapping benefit.

These individuals should be sent a letter which confirms their underlying entitlement.

Carers UK explains: “This can be financially beneficial as it can increase any means-tested benefits you are currently getting, or it could mean that you become entitled to means-tested benefits for the first time.”

The petition reads: “State Retirement Pension is treated as an overlapping benefit and therefore disentitles a person to Carers Allowance.

“This dates back to the Overlapping Benefit Regulations 1979.

“This archaic regulation needs to be amended to remove Retirement Pension as an Overlapping Benefit or alternatively provide an amendment to allow Carer’s Allowance to be paid irrespective of Retirement Pension.”

However, signatories can only expect a formal response from the Government should the petition reach 10,000 signatures.