Discover the 2024 Carers Allowance Changes: Learn about the expected updates and what they mean for those caring for non-relatives with a different source of income. Stay informed about the allowances provided by authorities in this article.
Carers Allowance Change 2024
The UK Government supports caregivers by offering financial aid to those taking care of seniors or disabled individuals. Caregivers dedicating over 35 hours a week are eligible for an allowance. As part of the budget allocation, modifications to Universal Credit are underway, with an anticipated increase in Carer Allowance starting April 2024, set at £5.75 per week, totaling £81.90.
What is Carers Allowance?
Financial support is extended to informal caregivers voluntarily assisting the needy and disabled individuals in their daily lives. This allowance is not subject to means testing, meaning the recipients’ income and savings are not considered for payment eligibility. The crucial factor for determining payment is the time dedicated to caregiving.
The allowance is taxable, and the caregiver may need to contribute if the care recipient receives income sources like pension benefits, additional disability funds, or state pensions. Eligibility for the benefit requires individuals to have a minimum income of £139 per week or to be students allocated at least 21 hours per week for studying.
What Are the Expected Changes in Carers Allowance in 2024?
As of the Budget 2023, changes to the Carer Allowance were initially set for January 2024. However, due to inflation and economic challenges, these adjustments were temporarily halted. With the fiscal year coming to a close, authorities are now taking steps to reintroduce the allowance increase.
A 6.5% increment is anticipated, and existing recipients can expect the boost in their weekly deposits starting April. The overall increase is projected to be £4258.90.
How to Claim the Carer Allowance?
Claiming the carer allowance may take approximately 13 to 15 days from successful registration, and the process is straightforward, as detailed in this section.
Individuals can apply for the allowance online or by post. For postal applications, applicants need to get the form signed by authorities, fill in the details, and send scanned copies of all required documents to the Universal Credit office address.
Online applicants should have the following documents ready:
- National Insurance Number.
- Employment Details.
- Bank Details.
- Payslip (if currently working).
- Course and Expenses Details (for students).
The application is submitted through gov.uk, and the necessary documents must be attached to the same application.
Who Can Claim The Benefit?
In addition to financial assistance exemptions, certain criteria must be met to qualify for the benefit:
- Care should be provided to someone receiving disability benefits or a state pension plan.
- A minimum of 35 hours per week must be dedicated to caregiving.
- Candidates should be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in full-time education.
- The threshold limit to qualify for the benefit is £139 per week after tax deductions.
- The 35 hours of caregiving encompass physical assistance, supervision of individuals prone to self-harm or undergoing psychiatric treatment, and routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Candidates registered with medical institutions or sent by such institutes to assist are ineligible. Once approved for the allowance, there’s no need for reapplication; the amount is directly deposited into their accounts.