Carer’s Allowance claimants could face court action for not reporting 9 key changes | Personal Finance | Finance

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit distributed by the DWP for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone on certain means-tested benefits. However, there are strict criteria to adhere to in order to claim and some changes must be reported to avoid being landed with a penalty.

Carer’s Allowance can provide eligible Britons with up to £332 a month, equating to around £3,991 per year. People must be over 16, be earning less than £132 a week, and be living in England, Scotland or Wales to claim it.

But, while it can provide eligible Britons with a significant monthly boost, it’s vital for people to be on top of their applications to avoid facing a severe penalty.

A statement on the DWP website reads: “[Carer’s Allowance claimants] could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”

The DWP lists nine important changes in circumstance a person must report, which could largely impact their entitlement to the benefit.

READ MORE: Tens of thousands of people on Universal Credit could lose £390 top-up

What changes in circumstance have to be reported?

Those claiming or applying for Carer’s Allowance must report the following changes to the DWP:

• If they’re starting a job
• If they’re starting or ending full-time education
• Changes to income
• If they stop being a carer
• If the person being cared for no longer gets their disability benefit
• Someone else who cares for the same person starts claiming Carer’s Allowance instead
• Someone else who cares for the same person claims the carer’s element of Universal Credit
• Changes to a person’s immigration status if they’re not a British citizen
• If the person being cared for dies.

They have to also be living in England, Scotland or Wales and earn £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

However, it should be noted that this is a taxable payment and can affect other benefits claimants might already be receiving.

People cannot get Carer’s Allowance if they share the care of someone and the other carer is already claiming:

• Carer’s Allowance for that person
• The extra amount of Universal Credit for caring for someone who gets a disability-related benefit for that person.

However, the DWP suggests people still apply, as they will decide who should receive the benefit.