Claiming pension credit.

[archiefifty]

I am 78 years old and receive pension credit. I have a son who lives with me but I would like him to be registered as my carer. he does some work for my son in law but he only gets paid for any jobs he does. I am registered as disabled and problem is getting worse as I find it difficult to walk unaided at home. Can my son claim any benefits for being my carer. Could you please advise me how to claim please.

[Hidden]

Hi archiefifty, First of all a warm welcome to this care community. We're glad to have you on board.

Benefits are be quite a minefield, and I'm no expert. Maybe another of our members will be able to tell you more confidently, but you may well be entitled to some kind of care benefit to use to employ the help of a family member. You'd need to be assessed for eligibility for care and the first benefit that springs to mind is Attendance Allowance. Only elders now get that, and all other groups of people now have to claim the Personal Independence Payment benefit.

It's actually possible to start an Attendance Allowance claim online or download the required forms from the website WWW.gov.uk, or you can obtain the printed forms by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317).

They are quite in-depth and it's probably best if you can get help filling them in, perhaps with the assistance of the Citizens' Advice Bureau, to avoid any pitfalls. There are different rates of allowance according to your needs.

I hope this has helped a little bit, and that maybe another member of our group can add to it. Best wishes, and do come back and let us know how you get on with it.

[Lynd in reply to Hidden]

Yes you will need Attendance Allowance.

If you get it you would use the money for a carer. That is how I understand it.

I am a firm believer in consulting Citizens Advice with all benefits first.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Archiefifty,

Welcome to this very caring community. You already have two great answers from some supportive members on this forum.

The only things I can add are, if you would like to check out the pinned posts on this page, there are often subjects / help on the questions you are asking.

Also, the website carersuk.org. is often very helpful when needing information relating to caring for someone.

We hope you continue to find this site very supportive!

All the best,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Sandy1953]

If your son doesn't earn more than 125 pounds a week and you are on middle class for caring on DLA your son can apply for it hope this helps

[Bella395]

Carers Allowance can be claimed for people who are in receipt of middle or higher rate Attendance Allowance, not lower for lower rate. If you have not claimed Attendance Allowance you need to telephone for the forms to be sent. Try to obtain help in filling the forms in if you are unsure about doing it yourself. AgeUK is one organisation that can assist.

Carers Allowance is paid to the carer, not the person who is being cared for. The requirement is that they are providing care for a minimum of 35 hours per week. It is taxable.

[Hidden]

As Calendarsgal said this subject is definitely a minefield. As I understand it Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance are two completely different things.

As the name says attendance allowance is for the person needing the care and is at two different rates depending on the persons dissability and requirements. It is paid to assist the person to get thngs done like ironing washing etc.

Carers allowance is paid is paid directly to the carer who mus be covering 35hrs per week. He / she does not have to be a relative or living with the person needing the care

One word of caution. If the person claiming the carers allowance is in receipt of other benefits such as pension credit then you will not get both