Does a RO Allownace affect Carers Allowance?

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David
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Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:35 pm
Location: South West England

Does a RO Allownace affect Carers Allowance?

Post by David » Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:32 pm

We look after our grandaughter on a Residence Order and receive a local authority RO Allowance. Our grandaughter also receives the higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance. This would entitle my wife to Carers Allowance, although we have not applied as no actual extra money would be received due to other benefits paid. However, we believe there would be some adavntages from having the "underlying entitlement" so are considering an application. There is question on the claim form asking "has someone paid you to look after this person . . " and the amount. RO Allowance would obviously need to be declared here, but does anyone know exactly how the DWP would use this information in assesng the claim?
David - former kinship carer for SEND grandaughter, now retired and still appointee for her Universal Credit & DWP benefits

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Suzie, FRG Adviser
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Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:25 pm

Re: Does a RO Allownace affect Carers Allowance?

Post by Suzie, FRG Adviser » Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:38 am

Hi David,
I am not sure of the answer to your question-whether the DWP would take into account the monies you receive under the Residence Order Allowance or whether they would ignore it. I know it is an area of law that changes alot. Us at FRG are not trained in the ins and outs of benefits available. However, you could try Carers UK. They have a website
carersuk
or can be contacted on a free phone number 0808 808 777.

Best wishes,
Suzie

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Suzie, FRG Adviser
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Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:25 pm

Re: Does a RO Allownace affect Carers Allowance?

Post by Suzie, FRG Adviser » Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:30 pm

Hi David,

We have been able to get some extra advice about this from 2 benefits experts on our family and friends carers tax/benefits working group. In answer to your question, this is what they have to say:

The benefit of getting 'underlying entitlement' is that there is a 'carer premium' added to housing and council tax benefits, income support, income-related jobseekers allowance and ESA as well as pension credit. This means either you could receive additional payments of those benefits or if you just missed out on receiving those benefits, you will now be entitled.

The 'has someone paid you' question isn’t directed at friends and family carers as you aren’t being 'paid'. ROA’s, foster allowance etc aren’t classed as earnings. As a result, you have two choices:
1. Ignore the question altogether; or
2. Complete it, mention the ROA and then wait for the DWP to flounder around asking what the allowance is for, whether it’s a fostering allowance or not etc.

However, if you were to claim carers allowance in order to get the underlying entitlement, and you are getting or intending to get a means-tested benefit, then you have to declare the ROA for those benefits. It will still normally be disregarded unless you have been getting income support or income-related JSA continuously since 2004.

I hope this is of assistance. Wishing you all the best for Christmas and New Year.

Suzie

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David
Posts: 126
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:35 pm
Location: South West England

Re: Does a RO Allownace affect Carers Allowance?

Post by David » Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:14 am

Suzie,
Thanks very much for the research and comprehensive reply.
David - former kinship carer for SEND grandaughter, now retired and still appointee for her Universal Credit & DWP benefits

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