claiming carers allowance

[donna1901]

I am thinking of giving my full time job up and becoming a carer for my grandad.
I would then be eligible for carers allowance at something like£53 a week.
I have never not worked. i do have 2children aswell so was wondering how the goverment make your money up? via tax credits?
I would be grateful for any help and does the law state how much a single person with two kids should get a week?
I am so confused and dont know where to start...
Thank you for any help recieved xx

[Bobbisox]

I wish you well Donna, don't know the first thing about any benefits, but that doesn't stop me saying
Good Luck to you

[boxtops]

If you don't get an answer on here (but I expect you will) contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau, they have this sort of info to hand.
Not sure how it works for you for future planning though, are you giving up a works pension? Not sure how stopping work might affect state pension contributions too. There is probably a maximum amount you can be paid - I don't know but I wouldn't think that you get your pay made up to cover your existing salary (depending, of course, how much you earn at the moment).

[zzxxee]

social services would need to assess his needs first, then they maybe able to advise you on the financial side of things
Get in touch with your local social services department or citizens advice bureau

[whiskeryron]

1st thing to do donna,see Citizen's Advice Bureau, probably local public library. Ron.

[seadogg]

Try direct.gov..uk. There is an on line form plus guidance. The money is allocated to the person who has the disability. You need to prove he is eligible and if he has a condition which makes caring necessary. Then you furnish details of any medication like a prescription and get a note from his doctor. Finally he has to agree to you being the carer. I am a carer and it was a breeze but with the cuts it could be harder now.. Good luck Donna.

[Hilary1]

Is your Grandad on the benefits that allow you to claim Carers Allowance ie Attendance Allowance or DLA

[sara3]

Carer's Allowance is paid to the carer.

take a look at this link, and all the best.. http://www.direct.gov...eymatters/dg_10012522

[seadogg]

That's true Sara, but it is allocated to the person cared for in case the carer changes

[sara3]

it's paid to the Carer.

[cazzz1975]

carer's allowance is paid to the carer, her grandad will probably be on DLA

[cazzz1975]

she could not get DLA for her children unless they are disabled.

[cazzz1975]

isnt incapacity benefit only granted if you cannot work due to ill health?

[slinky.kate]

my son is my carer and he gets paid directly(monthly),i dont see the money.but you can change your carer.he still gets unemployment benefit,the carers one is an extra

[sara3]

if you receive any other means tested benefits you need to declare Carer's Allowance.

[cazzz1975]

its not free cash doc, you have to look after someone 24/7 who has additional needs