If you receive the Government’s Carers Allowance, there are some changes that have happened as a results of the COVID-19 crisis: –
- Providing emotional support counts towards the 35 hours’ threshold needed for receiving Carer’s Allowance. This applies to: –
- Carers who live in a different household from the disabled person and whose only contact with them is now going to be in the form of emotional support via the telephone and social media.
- New claims as well as for those already receiving Carer’s Allowance.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, new measures (from 30th March 2020) also allow unpaid carers to continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they have a temporary break in caring, because they or the person they care for gets coronavirus or if they have to self-isolate because of it.
- The Government has decided to stop recovering overpayments for three months during this period. This includes benefit overpayments, tax credit debts or social fund loans. Although most deductions will be stopped automatically, if you have a standing order set up with your bank, you will need to contact them to stop the payments.
You can find more information about Carers’ Allowance easements on the DWP Touchbase website, as well as updates on other benefits and DWP services.