People only claiming Carer's Allowance may not qualify for new £301 cost of living payment due this Spring
09.02.2023 - 13:49
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May last year there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance, including 81,682 living in Scotland.
Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with inflation from April and increase from £69.70 per week to £76.75, however, claimants will not be eligible for the new £900 means-tested cost of living payment unless they are also in receipt of a qualifying, means-tested benefit. The £900 payment will be delivered in three lump sums of £301, £300 and £299, with the first payment due this Spring.
Several MPs recently asked DWP if it has “made an assessment of the potential merits of providing a cost of living payment to unpaid carers” since the support began last July, to which the response has always been sympathetic, but unwavering on the eligibility rules, often explaining how statistically, some 60 per cent of unpaid carers are living in a household where someone is in receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefits.
However, in a recent written response to Labour MP Justin Madders, DWP Minister Tom Pursglove, urged unpaid carers to check their eligibility for means-tested benefits to make sure they are not missing out on additional support - which could then make them eligible for the £900 cost of living payment.
Mr Pursglove said: “The Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers every day in providing significant care and continuity of support to family and friends, including pensioners and those with disabilities.
“Depending on personal circumstances, carers may be eligible for means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit. Means-tested benefits can be paid to