Eligibility for Carers Allowance onPIP- Can I Claim It for Myself-
Can I claim carers allowance for myself on PIP?
If you are a carer for someone who is disabled or has a long-term health condition, you may be eligible for Carers Allowance. However, many people are unsure about whether they can claim Carers Allowance while also receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for both benefits and help you understand whether you can claim Carers Allowance for yourself on PIP.
Eligibility for Carers Allowance
Carers Allowance is a weekly benefit designed to help people who provide care to someone who is disabled or has a long-term health condition. To be eligible for Carers Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You must be aged 16 or over (there are exceptions for those aged 16 and 17).
2. You must provide at least 35 hours of care a week to someone who receives the middle or higher rate of the care component of PIP.
3. You must not be in full-time education (for those aged 16 to 20).
4. You must not earn more than £123.00 a week before tax (there are exceptions for those in full-time education or training).
5. You must not already receive certain other benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit.
Eligibility for PIP
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people with disabilities or health conditions that affect their ability to carry out daily activities. To be eligible for PIP, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You must have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to carry out daily activities.
2. You must have been living in the UK for at least 2 years (unless you are claiming under special circumstances).
3. You must have been in the UK for at least 2 years out of the 3 years before you make your claim (unless you are claiming under special circumstances).
Can I claim Carers Allowance on PIP?
If you are receiving PIP, you may still be eligible for Carers Allowance, provided you meet the criteria outlined above. It is important to note that receiving PIP does not automatically disqualify you from claiming Carers Allowance. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to claim both benefits simultaneously:
1. If you are in full-time education or training and your PIP is not being paid at the learning rate.
2. If you are already receiving another benefit that prevents you from claiming Carers Allowance.
How to claim Carers Allowance on PIP
To claim Carers Allowance on PIP, you will need to:
1. Complete the Carers Allowance claim form, which is available online or by calling the Carers Allowance helpline.
2. Provide evidence of your care responsibilities, such as a letter from the person you care for or their benefits claim.
3. Provide evidence of your earnings, if applicable.
4. Attend an interview with a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) official, if required.
In conclusion, if you are a carer for someone who receives PIP and meet the eligibility criteria for Carers Allowance, you can claim both benefits. It is essential to understand the specific requirements for each benefit and ensure that you meet the necessary conditions to successfully claim Carers Allowance on PIP.
