I have been receiving income support and carers allowance since my wife was diagnosed with MS 27 years ago, my wife receives ESA and PIP.
Five years ago my wife’s mother passed away and left us a house and some money. We therefore were no longer entitled to income support. I went to work a part time job with Nuffield Health 15 hours a week, making sure my wage was below the limit for earning.
In March this year my carers allowance stopped. After much investigation and telephone calls we found out that my employer pays a health insurance of around £40 a month. The carers allowance unit have decided that this is a payment in kind and it puts my earnings over the limit, which if included it technically does. Nothing in the paperwork from company stating this and it being an opt out scheme I didn’t think anything of it.
They have sent me a request for the refund of £10,536.05!
I thought that this was their mistake and asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration.
They have decided that £270.40 was their mistake, but I still owe them £10.315.65, including a £50 civil penalty.
I realise that technically they are correct and I am not entitled to Carers Allowance, but as I did not know surely I should not have to pay back the overpayment.
I am in the process of appealing and was hoping anyone might have some advice ir been in a similar situation.
John
How dreadful for you!
I can’t advise really, but when I had an issue regarding my late husband’s finances, eventually I said I would have to go to the ombudsman. The very word makes them stop dragging their heels, because the ombudsman charge a considerable sum to the company, before even investigation begins. You probably have to let them investigate the appeal.
I won, in the end.
I wanted to wish you a warm welcome to the forum and to highlight some of the options for connecting with fellow carers and for getting support from Carers UK should you need it.
I would suggest you contact our helpline for advice or support - Our Telephone Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact us by email (advice@carersuk.org)
We also run online weekly meet ups for carers to take some time for themselves and chat to other carers. Feel free to join if you’d like to and there’s no pressure to share anything you don’t want to. I’m sure you’ll find others in a similar position to yourself.
You can find information on how to register to our online meetups at the following pages:
Care for a Cuppa: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic … ne-meetups - the next online meet up is tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July), 11.30-12.30 with further sessions shown in that link. This social is a great way to have a little break if you are able to and spend some quality time talking to people who understand what you are going through right now.
Share and Learn: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic … e-sessions - these sessions range from creative writing activities to beginners Latin dance sessions.