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
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