How to claim
- You should fill in the claim form included in the DS700 claim pack, Carer’s Allowance, available from the CA Unit or the Benefit Enquiry Line. You can also print off a claim form from this website. You should send the claim form to the CA Unit.
- You can make a claim on-line using the electronic claim form.
The claim form includes a statement to be signed by the person you are caring for. The statement asks them to confirm that they know that a claim for Carer’s Allowance is being made, that the carer provides them with at least 35 hours care a week and that they are aware that their own benefits could be affected by the claim (click here for more information). In cases where they are unable to sign (because of health problems or because they are under 16), the statement can be signed by someone acting on their behalf.
When to claim
If you are caring for someone who gets the highest or middle rate of care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance (AA) or Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA) you should claim straight away as you may be entitled to CA. CA cannot be backdated for more than 3 months before the date of your claim. If you are looking after someone who is waiting to hear about a claim for DLA, AA or CAA, you should claim CA no later than 3 months after the decision on their award, so that your CA can be backdated to the start of their award.
Work Focused Interview
If you make a claim for Carer's Allowance, and you are aged between 18 and 60, we are able to offer you a Work Focused Interview with a personal adviser. The interview is not a requirement of your claim for Carer's Allowance, but is available to you if you would like advice about possible part-time employment or training. The help is there should you choose to take advantage of it, either now or later if your responsibilities change. If you would like to discuss whether a Work Focused Interview may be appropriate for you, or arrange an interview, please contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. The details of your local Jobcentre Plus office can be found in the telephone directory.
If you or your partner are claiming other benefits as well as Carer's Allowance you may be required to have a Work Focused Interview as a result of your claim for those benefits. If this is the case, the relevant office will contact you.
How claims are decided
Decision makers from the CA Unit will consider your claim.
If your claim is successful, you will be notified in writing and told how much you will get.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing of the decision and told what to do if you do not agree with it.
Method of payment
We normally pay CA directly into an account. This is the safest way to pay you and lets you choose how and when you get your money. You can use a bank, building society or other account provider. Most accounts allow you to make savings on some of your bills by paying them by Direct Debit. You may be able to use a cash machine, which will usually mean you can get your money at any time of the day or night. Most of these machines can be used for free, but some of them may charge you to take your money out. If so, you will be warned by a message on the screen. This will give you the opportunity to cancel your transaction without being charged. There are arrangements with some banks and building societies to let you collect cash from many of their accounts over the counter at post offices.
For more information on the types of accounts available, please read the notes on the claim form or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or The Pension Service.
If you change your account details, contact the CA Unit.
Other claims
A claim for Income Support can be treated as a claim for CA as well. In this case the records must show that you said you could not work because you were looking after a severely disabled person. [Legislation (18)]
If you think these circumstances apply to your case, you should apply in writing to the CA Unit.