UNIVERSAL Credit households could be entitled to a cash boost if they’re eligible for the carer’s element of the benefit.
There are additional elements of Universal Credit that are means tested.
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This means that not everyone is automatically entitled to them, and instead they depend on specific circumstances.
Below, we explain what the carer’s element is, who’s eligible, how much it is and how to apply.
What is the carer’s element of Universal Credit?
Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if they’re caring for a severely disabled adult or child for at least 35 hours a week.
It is an additional amount on top of the regular Universal Credit that you receive.
Who is eligible for the carer’s element?
You must be caring for someone who receives one of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- The highest or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment
- Daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independences Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance of £83.10 per week paid with Industrial Injuries Benefit or War Disablement Pension.
As previously mentioned, you must provide at least 35 hours of care a week to get the payment.
The person you are caring for does not have to live with you for you to qualify and don’t need to be claiming Carer’s Allowance to get it either.
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How much is the carer’s element?
This element is £185.86 per month and is the same for everyone who is entitled to it.
It increased in April from £168.81.
How to apply for the carer’s element of Universal Credit
To get the carer element, EntitledTo say you will need to report the following information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP):
- the name of the person you care for
- their date of birth
- their National Insurance number
- any disability benefits they receive or have applied for
- the number of hours a week you spend caring for them
- if you are getting or are entitled to Carer’s Allowance
- the contact details of anyone else caring for the same severely disabled adult or child and if they are getting Carer’s Allowance
- if you receive any income other than Carer’s Allowance for looking after someone
To do this, you can call the Universal Credit service on either 0800 328 9344 or 0800 328 5644.
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