Beneifts help

[jam97]

Hi

I need some advice here - and before i start, i know there is the benefits enquiriy line but i have never been able to get a proper answer from them - being passed from piller to post.

What i want to know is if i am entitled to anything other than what i am getting.

Benefits:

Carers Allowance �50.55
Carers Premiem �27.75

Is that all i am entitled to per week? I amfull time carer, can not do anything else, yet i have to LIVE on this small amount. The premiem seeminly is income support, but it seems so small. I am 22 if that makes any difference.

[sara3]

try this, and good luck..

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

[bednobs]

does the person who you care for get disability living allowance or attendance allowance? If so they should be paying you that for looking after them. How many hours a week are you caring for the person?
if you are recieving income support, you should be entitled to free prescriptions, free nhs dental care and optical vouchers. I think you should also get council tax benefit and housing benefit (although not sure on that)

[lucca]

If your carer's premium is Income support (which I presume it is) you should get full C.T. ben. and housimg ben (the latter if you pay rent). You should get the full amount i.e. pay no rent or c.t. The Carer's Allownce is of course a shameful amount as you have to look after someone for at least 35 hours a week, so it's just over �1 an hour!

[Mamyalynne]

Oh my i feel for you i have just lost my husband and we were on pension credit as a couple at �187 per week they have made me jump through hoops and have awarded me �60.50 as if all my bills have dropped by a third, is unbelievable!!

[Mamyalynne]

Dropped by two thirds i mean

[amonty1144]

Most local authorities now have a Benefits Maximisation team, you should be able to access them through the council switchboard. give them a call , as they can identify immeadiatley what you are entilted to and help you fill out the forms.
Best of luck

[Mumof2]

Your age is the factor, Income support is only �47.95 for under 25's so you already have more income than that figure coming in via your carers allowance

Whether you are eligible for Council Tax and/or Housing Benefit depends on who you live with and whether you are the person liable for the council tax/rent ,if you are then the Local Authority should be aware of your situation so that you are paying the correct amount

the person you are caring for. who are they as you have not mentioned who they are and that makes some difference

To be eligible for Carers allowance the person who needs care should be in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or DLA which they would have to be otherwise no Carers Allowance would be payable and also caring for more than 35 hours

The amount you get does seem a pittance for the things you may be doing, but it's far more then just the standard �47.95 JSA for under 25's