AS part of Carers' Week, Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, helped celebrate the role of carers, and reminded people to apply for the Carer's Allowance.
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours per week, and recognises the contribution they make.
Sounds simple enough. However, what the Minister fails to point out is that the allowance interacts with other benefits. For example, if you receive Incapacity Benefit and care for someone, the Carer's Allowance may be reduced or not paid at all.
Claiming the allowance can also adversely affect the finances of the person being cared for and they could find that they lose the equivalent amount from their benefit!
It is vital to take advice before claiming this allowance. Disability Advice and Information Services (DAIS) will be delighted to offer readers a FREE, no obligation check to see if they may be entitled to claim any extra benefits, including Carers Allowance, and will ensure that no one is worse off as a result of the claim.
For details, contact DAIS on 08456 120424.
PAUL BRENNAN
Director
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article