Hi there, I claim carers allowance as I care for my daughter. Last year I became chronically ill and when i tried to claim some kind of sickness benefit instead of carers (my mother was going to take over caring for my daughter), i was told i couldn’t by the DWP because National Insurance contributions accrued when claiming carers allowance are only in respect of contributing to my future pension, not for being able to claim any other kind of benefit. I rang NI today who confirmed this is correct. But what do we do as carers if we become too ill to care?? My mum kindly ended up filling in for me without claiming carers allowance when i was at my worst and i kept claiming carers because at least she has some other income whereas without carers allowance i have nothing. I am still not well enough to care as much as I’m having to but my mum couldn’t keep doing it and we can’t survive without carers allowance or some kind of sickness benefit for me. Have i been told the right thing by DWP and National Insurance? For background I was variously employed and/or self employed prior to becoming my daughter’s carer.
Hi @Georgina_1909 - sorry to be so slow responding. I think what you would need to do is claim Universal Credit, but I’m way out of date on this, so…you need to contact the Helpline - the telephone Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (including Bank Holidays).
If you have a more complex query or would like more detailed guidance, I suggest you contact the email Helpline (advice@carersuk.org), as they’ll be able to provide more information.