Caring magazine 48 Caring April 2018 | Page 21

Connect with other carers: carersuk.org/forum on legacy benefits. UC involves a ‘claimant commitment’ which is an agreement that you will meet certain work related requirements. However, for carers who meet the eligibility conditions for Carer’s Allowance (or who would do so but for the fact that their earnings are too high), there will be no work related requirements included in your claimant commitment. You have to claim UC online at www.gov.uk/apply- universal-credit. Claim as soon as you can, as UC can only be backdated for a maximum of one month; and this can only happen if one of a very limited set of circumstances apply to you and because of this you could not reasonably have claimed earlier. For more information on UC visit www.carersuk.org/ universalcredit I hope this helps, and remember that if you need to talk this through you can email us at [email protected] Example: You are aged 25+, your only income is Carer’s Allowance of £64.60 and you don’t have savings over £6,000. You apply for UC and your award is worked out as follows: • Maximum UC amount = £317.82 (standard allowance) + £156.45(carer element – this is included if you meet the eligibility conditions for Carer’s Allowance or would do so but for the fact that your earnings are too high) = £474.27 • Income = £279.93 (Carer’s Allowance) • Maximum UC amount (£474.27) - income (£279.93) = £194.34 a month Forum Q&A Q: I help care for my dad who is severely disabled and terminally ill (he also has a care worker who is paid for). I look after him at the weekends and the care worker helps him in the week when I am at work. I adore my dad – tonight, I lost it and told him off. What can I do to be more patient and kinder? I love him so much and want to make him happy but feel I keep ruining everything. A: It's not your dad you're angry with - it's that he's so ill, and frail, and nearing towards the end of his life...That's what you are 'lashing out' at. NOT your dad. A: Please, put it aside now and look forward to what good things will be happening this coming week. Keep your 'time horizon' short - don't look too far ahead. When my husband, some years ago now, was diagnosed terminal, we made a point of having 'little things' to look forward to and enjoy. A: You are only human. You are juggling a job, care of your Dad and dealing with the emotional impact of your Dad being terminally ill. It's only natural that you occasionally lose it. A: Working full time in a stressful job is a lot to deal with on top of coping with your Dad's illness. Don't be embarrassed about seeking some help from GP. @carersuk /carersuk 21