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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action his Department is taking to support carers. [177709] Maria Eagle: As part of the Government's National Strategy for Carers, substantial improvements have been made to the financial support available to the carers of severely disabled people from social security benefits. These include extending the availability of carer's allowance to new carers aged 65 and over and for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for, increasing the earnings limit for the benefit and linking it to the national insurance lower earnings limit so that it goes up each year. This means that carers can now earn up to £79 per week net of allowable expenses and still be entitled to the benefit. It is therefore possible for a carer to earn well in excess of £79 per week and be entitled to carer's allowance. For those entitled to carer's allowance and on low incomes, the carer premium in the income-related benefits and the equivalent amount payable through pension credit has been substantially increased. Carers may also be entitled to other benefits depending on their circumstances. Carers who wish to keep in touch with the labour market can get help, advice and training from personal advisers in Jobcentre Plus.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

177709; 422 c842W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Disability Carers Carers' benefits Finance Eligibility Social security benefits

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk