Carers Allowence

[hollie1586]

Im 21 and am a full time carer for my dad and i think that the weekly rate is disgusting. i get 48.65 a week plus the "added bonus" of my 90p a month income tax. with all the money that the government have, dont you think they could up the rates a bit (lot) higher? they said that something would be done about it months ago and nothing has changed. it really gets up my chuff!

[theonlyone]

Why don't you try for attendance allowance ?
Think it's �67 a week ...

[Doc Spock]

Forgive my ignorance but why should you be paid for looking after family.

[daffy654]

Because if you didn't get paid you would possibly have to put the relative into a home so you can work, then the government would possibly have to foot the bill for the full time residential care. Being a carer is a full time job so why should you not be paid?

[daffy654]

Oops,forgot to say,the weekly rate of Carers Allowance goes up to �50.55 from today and the earnings limit is now �95.00 per week.

[hollie1586]

excuse me spock...how do you expect me to go out shopping for food, clothes, medical equiptment for my father if i dont get paid anything!? the carers allowence is my only source of income. as it i said....im caring FULL TIME....i cannot get another job!!

[daffy654]

Hollie,Doc obviously doesn't understand how the carer's allowance system works. He may have thought you have an income other than the pittance the government pays. I do agree that the amount is pathetic but they get away with it because people want to care for their relatives rather than put them into homes. They would soon moan if they had to pay a professional carer's fees!

[theonlyone]

There is lots of money and help in
the system unclaimed ...get your Dad's
GP to get the ball rolling ..also you can get him
in to respite care to give you a break ...
I'm a carer and it's hard work 24/7..

[hollie1586]

he does get attendance allowence!

[daffy654]

Hollie,I do think it would be a good idea if you can get to your local Citizens Advice centre to find out if there are any other benefits you may be entitled to.I don't think there are any but it wouldn't hurt to ask,they may also be able to advise on other help you and your father may be entitled to such as anything that could be done to help your father be more independent at home,maybe widening doorways for wheelchair access and seats for the bath/shower. You haven't said what disability your father has but there is help available for different types of problem from Social Services.

[bobtheturkey]

far too much goes on other benefits like unemployment benefit when in reality these people should be shot, the amount people like yourself get is disgracefully low

[hollie1586]

i was 16 when my dad had a stroke and he cannot walk and his right arm and leg are immobile