So My Mum died and I was her carer, I go to the bank yesterday to draw out my Carers Allowance and it wasn’t there? Where was the 8 week run on we are supposed to get? I phoned them up and the lady on the phone said I hadn’t said how long she was in hospital for. It was just registered with them as a death. I had informed AA and done that Just Tell Them Once thing, the registrar told me to do. Anyway I told her 10 days and that there had been no prior breaks in caring s etc. She said it would have to go to a decision maker etc and that she didn’t know how long it would be. Well how terrible! Luckily I have enough money to see me through but otherwise it would have been really bad. What an awful way to treat someone who has just been bereaved etc! I just thought we got this automatically!
Oh @Elizabeth_1602123 that is unbelievable after everything you have already been through. I too thought it carried on automatically and only stopped 8 weeks after the date of death as registered. Perhaps someone on the Carers UK helpline will be able to give you some advice. 
No, I think you have to apply for it now. Unbelievable really! Its annoying but for someone who really doesn’t have any money it would be pretty bad. They will have to give me it, because I’m owed it. After dealing with that hospital and the situation surrounding my Mum this is just nothing. But people need to be aware and have a bit of money in the bank etc.
@Elizabeth_1602123 That is terrible for you to have to face after caring for and losing Mum. @Michael_CarersUK - can CUK help with advice or clarification if they system has been changed?
Chris, the letters DWP send out after a death are horrible, no compassion at all.
I genuinely can’t believe the language DWP use in their letters. I received this one today. “You are not entitled…” My father passed away in August. I followed all the rules and informed them of his going into hospital, and then a care home, and they stopped his attendance allowance immediately when he went into hospital and therefore my carers allowance. For the record I didn’t ask them to review anything, I always hated dealing with them so much, being treated like a criminal after an overpayment issue previously, that was kind of grateful I wouldn’t have to deal with them anymore. So this letter came out of the blue today. All the weeks he was in hospital and then the month he was in a care home before he died I spent every day with him doing a lot of the same things I’d done at home for him. It’s not like I could immediately go out and find paid work but we’re treated like we’ve just stopped caring. The system is so unfair and the way we’re treated is diabolical. As said before, there is no empathy or compassion 
I’d like CUK to take this up for us. A letter saying “I’m sorry for your loss…with an explanation of what will happen next would be helpful. Personally I don’t get any CA as I’m retired, another injustice.
Carers should be supported to refresh their qualifications and have time to empty the house and have a rest after someone dies. Maybe a week extra for every year caring?
I’m pleased to report that they have reinstated it. I checked my bank account and there it was. I should think so to, being left with no money just before xmas after being bereaved could tip someone right over the edge.
It’s disgusting what carers get anyway, its not nearly enough. Its very hard work and people who haven’t done it have absolutely no idea whatsoever. Many people just think its just nothing and like being on the dole but without having to sign on and look for work.
Personally I think if you are over say 50 you should just get your state pension after being a carer.