Help for carers (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Help for carers

8:04am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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SIR – From April 12, Carer’s Allowance, the only state benefit specifically aimed at carers, will be made available to more of those who are working. Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid to a carer if they work and earn more than a set amount. The Government has announced that this earnings limit will be raised from £95 to £100 after tax deductions – the first time it has been changed since 2007. For working families caring for a disabled child, the Carer’s Allowance rules allow certain childcare costs to be deducted from earnings, so some may qualify even though they are earning slightly more than £100 per week.

It’s good news for working carers in Bradford who provide 35 hours a week of care but are just missing out on Carer’s Allowance.

From April, Carer’s Allowance will rise from £53.10 per week to £53.90.

Contact A Family’s free helpline can advise families with disabled children who want to know if the change in the rules will help them claim Carer’s Allowance. Call 0808 8083555.

Srabani Sen, chief executive, Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London , EC1V 1JN