Carers allowance resulted in pension of caree being deducted - is this correct

B

becky

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My mother was granted a carers allowance for looking after my Dad. His pension included €106 a week for her as a dependant.

She was surprised to see his pension being deducted as there was no mention of it in the application process.

I suppose it makes sense but I thought the careers allowance was to care for him and the other payment would not be effected.

I'm trying to get my head around this. If she is no longer his dependant what is her status.
 
Hi Becky....

Yes, this is correct... As she now has a Social Welfare income of her own, she's no longer regarded as being a dependant of her husband's...

On the plus side, their joint income is still greater than it was prior to her being awarded Carers.... And she'll get the annual Respite Care grant of €1,700...

Sorry I can't be more positive!....

Darth...
 
Thanks Darthvadar. Is she now clocking up credits in her own name?
 
The SW Operational Guidelines on Carer's Allowance states:

Credits

Credits are awarded to recipients of Carer's Allowance in the following circumstances:
  • if the claimant was employed and paid PRSI contributions prior to receiving Carer's Allowance s/he may be entitled to credits. If, however, there is a gap of two years in the claimant's insurance record, credits are not valid until at least 26 PRSI contributions have been paid
  • if the claimant was in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance (provided s/he has at least one paid Class A PRSI contribution) Jobseeker's Benefit or Illness Benefit immediately prior to claiming Carer's Allowance.
 
Neither will apply to my mother as she never worked so my Dad claimed for her as his dependant. I basically wondering what her status is once she is no longer a carer.
 
That would depend on the reason she stops caring, Becky... If it's due to the death of her husband, she can apply for a Widow's Pension...

If perhaps she's no longer caring because her husband goes into a nursing home, or someone else takes over the caring role, her status would depend on her age, and state of health somewhat... If she's of working age, and is seeking a job, she can apply for Jobseekers Allowance... If she's of working age, but ill or disabled, she can apply for Disability Allowance... If she's over sixty-six, she can apply for the State Pension....

Hope I haven't missed anything important... Gipman or Welfarerite, please put me right if I have!!!...

Darth...
 
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Thanks, very helpful.
 
The following may be of interest to you as it may be financially a better option.

"If you are being claimed for as a qualified adult on your spouse/partner’s social welfare payment and you are providing full time care to another person, you may apply for half-rate Carer's Allowance and retain your current Increase for a Qualified Adult in full".
 
Hi Black Sheep....

I think your idea's a good one, however, it would leave the OP's mum in exactly the same position...

If she were to revert to being dependant of her husband, that would be €106... If she were to get Half Rate Carers Allowance, she would recieve €106 in Carers Allowance, making a total of €212...

Full Rate Carers Allowance is also €212... So sadly, there's no benefit to the lady in reverting...

I could be wrong, and if I am I hope someone will tell me....
 
She would also have free travel in her own right if she does not already have it.
It appears your dad is on a reduced rate of pension as your mum is below the full rate for a dependant. Is this correct or is there any way this income can be improved.
 
Quite right, BS... But on Carers (Full or Half Rate), she'll be entitled to Free Travel anyway...
 
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