Most participants felt that it was unclear what would happen next after this six month period, or how frequent this payment would be. This report outlines experiences of Carer’s Allowance and views relating to the introduction of Carer’s Allowance Supplement. A small number felt that this statement should be more positive and emphasise that the letter is "good news.". If you live in Wales and would like ... get Carer’s Allowance for these times. Hours: 9am – 5pm Every aspect of social care is geared towards the sick or disabled person. It sounds like an extra amount like your Christmas Bonus or a Winter payment but not clear why it's being paid or why it's being done in that way. Reviewed: September 26, 2006. Some had very detailed knowledge of the intention to introduce the supplement, including timescales, the amount, and the eligibility criteria. Advice line Monday - Friday Hours: 9am - 5pm Tel: 0113 380 4300 Email advice@carersleeds.org.uk You can any of options above to contact us or if you prefer, you can fill out the form below and we'll get back to you. "If I hadn't received the payment I would likely contact via email, it is easier. Some participants also said that they would prefer a phone system that allowed them to speak to an operator straight away, rather than automated systems. A psychologist at local mental health centre sees my granddaughter and there is a member of staff there that I speak to every now and again. Monday – Friday Random Acts of Kindness and All things Positive! "It is a bit unclear – I got that it was 6 monthly payment. Important: No. "I've been really watching this. Carers' centres across Scotland include: Aberdeen City: VSA Adult Carer support Centre; Aberdeen Young Carers "It's self-explanatory - less jargon and more to the point. Where participants go for information, advice and support. Awareness of the intention to introduce the Carer's Allowance Supplement. Carers who don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance may qualify for Carer’s Credit. If you have speech or hearing difficulties and want us to contact you by textphone, tick this box. Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance on a particular date. Social Security Scotland's phone number is a freephone number, but that was not explicitly stated on the draft letter. *** Please be aware that submitting this form is no guarantee of your message reaching us. You must be 18 years old or over and not employed, self-employed or in training or education for more than 18.5 hours per week. You do not need to notify DWP about receipt of this payment. This will happen automatically". ** You may not wish for us to leave a message in the event we could not contact you. ", "Support for carers generally is pretty abysmal in my experience. The support that carers received was quite variable. Some said that they felt quite isolated by their caring role, or had found it difficult to access support. This research built on earlier input from people with experience of all aspects of social security and was used to help make sure that the letter and supplementary information made available to recipients was as clear and straight forward as possible. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. ", What participants would do if they received the letter. Some also felt that this is simply fulfilling a commitment that was made some time ago. Most participants felt that it was quite clear that you wouldn't need to do anything after receiving the letter in order to get the payment. Many respondents also felt that it was important that a wide range of contact detail options should be available, including a freephone phone number, email address, and text phone. Some suggested that it sounds more like a "handout" because it is a single payment. There is no need to fill out an application or to get in touch with us or with DWP to receive these payments. Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. Attendance Allowance helps pay for your personal care if you've reached State Pension age and are disabled - rates, eligibility, apply, claim form AA1 Please note, we are closed on weekends and bank holidays. The draft letter included a paragraph which stated: "Will this affect other benefits I receive? Which Team Would You Like To Contact?I'm Not SureBereaved Carers TeamYoung Adult Carers TeamAutism ServicesParent Carers TeamHealth & Wellbeing TeamBME TeamDementia TeamMental Health TeamHospital 2 Home SupportDrug / Alcohol team, *When Would It Be Best To Contact You?No Specified TimeMonday 9:30am to 1pmMonday 1pm to 4pmTuesday 9:30am to 1pmTuesday 1pm to 4pmWednesday 9:30am to 1pmWednesday 1pm to 4pmThursday 9:30am to 1pmThursday 1pm to 4pmFriday 9:30am to 1pmFriday 1pm to 4pm, ** Would You Like Us To Leave A Message?No - Do Not Leave A MessageYes - You May Leave A Message. You can any of options above to contact us or if you prefer, you can fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you. Part 3: About the person you provide care for . Editor, Marcus Herbert. Only place any information I've seen for carers is in the doctors surgery waiting room, and that is pretty scant. out more about cookies, Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to know. Some had used these services and others had not. However, there were a number of points, outlined above, where there was a lack of clarity or consensus in terms of how the letter was interpreted. Other Reclaiming: Mortgage Fees, Council Tax etc, Pensions, Annuities & Retirement Planning, Report Holiday Deals, Bargains & Special Offers, Martin's Blogs & Appearances & MoneySavingExpert in the News. Any data collected is anonymised. People were unclear from this about whether or when they should expect to receive future payments and the timeframes that the payments would cover. The draft letter stated "You do not have to do anything. Tel: 0113 380 4300. Many participants said they would feel "very happy" reading this. This is to help us understand how we can best communicate information about the Carer's Allowance Supplement. The person you’re caring for will have to be aged 16 or over and need full-time care for at least 12 months. Find a carers centre. The draft letter contained details of a website, postal address, and phone number. If a person provides care for someone who gets certain benefits for at least 35 hours a week, it may be the care-giver can claim Carer's Allowance. Carers UK forum. ", "Carers play an important role in our society and the Scottish Government recognises this. Registered Charity No. Some participants felt it could be confusing that the supplement will be paid by the new agency while they continue to receive Carer's Allowance from DWP. Many said that the services that they were in contact with were more associated with the health needs of the person they care for, rather than support for themselves as a carer. However, some felt that they would still be nervous or want to phone and check that the information was accurate. 8. We asked participants about where they go for wider support and advice about being a carer. 2 per year). Please note, we are closed on weekends and bank holidays. Reasons for not attending these support services included feeling that they didn't need it, or feeling that they didn't have time to attend. That is why a new Scottish Government agency, is sending you this payment – to give you some extra support". They can be under 16 if they’re getting a Domiciliary Care Allowance. "I feel pleased that Scottish Government are doing this and it is good it is happening, however Scottish Government shouldn't be patting themselves on the back too much. Some had little or no knowledge of the intention to introduce the supplement, and a small number had little awareness of the changes to social security generally. Some questioned the tax implications and implications for pensions/ pension credit. Quicker than sending a letter and I am not always great with people on the phone.". 1058706 | Company Limited by Guarantee 3242065 | 6-8 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PT, Carers of people with dementia and memory problems, Carers of people with learning disabilities, Carers of people with mental health issues, People affected by another person’s drug and alcohol use, Leeds Oak Alliance Monitoring Form – Portal, Leeds Oak Alliance Referral Form – Portal, Male Carer Support Group Meeting Time Poll, Supporting carers of people with dementia and memory problems, Time for carers application form – Agent section, Working with employers in Leeds to support working carers. A number of participants emphasised that it is important this contact number is a Freephone number, including from mobiles. Other key issues with the letter that were raised as being more difficult to understand included the intention to pay the supplement every six months. Your feedback will help us improve this site, Social Security Experience Panels: Carer's Allowance Supplement - letters, Communicating information about the Carer's Allowance Supplement, Views on the introduction of Carer's Allowance Supplement, Annex A: Draft letter tested with Experience Panels, Annex B: Letter sent to Carers Allowance Supplement participants, Find I am involved politically so I know what is coming. You don't need to be referred – you can just drop in during opening hours. One participant gave an example of being charged £17 for a call to DWP because she was on hold for so long. They felt that it could be perceived as self-congratulating for what some said is "pocket-money" or "still not enough". The support that carers received was quite variable. So whether you need to share an experience, ask a question or simply let off some steam, log in and join the conversation. "I would check [the] website for more information, details regarding other support in your area, details about CAS and why they are doing it in this way.". The contact address for Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit is: Carer’s Allowance Disability & Carers Service Mail Opening Unit PO Box 42 Limavady BT49 4AN. "I would know I didn't need to do anything – I would be pleased there would be no form filling in.". People on low incomes struggle to get advice. The reason why there's no gain is because you can claim the carers element without claiming carers allowance as advised multiple times. Attendance Allowance Disability & Carers Service Mail Opening Unit PO Box 42 Limavady BT49 4AN. It is as if the person(s) caring for them do not exist/matter at all.". A few words from a fellow carer who understands what you’re going through can be a lifeline. Your GP, district nurse, health visitor or social worker can put you in touch with a carers' centre. Some participants expressed concern about how the supplement would affect their other benefit or tax credit entitlements. This may be due to sensitive nature of your call. This was also asked within the context of where they would be likely to look for more information if they had questions about the Carer's Allowance Supplement. Some said it would be useful to include when they will hear from us again. You can also get information booklets and application forms from your local Social Welfare Office, or by telephoning the Department’s LoCall Leaflet Request Line at 1890 20 23 25. This provoked mostly positive reactions from most participants who said it was important to have this "appreciation" or that it was "nice to see" the government value carers. Some participants also said they would be afraid of having their benefits cut or getting in trouble if they didn't tell the right people. "Charities and things are going to be much busier – Citizens Advice are already really busy – that will make a big difference locally. The payment will not be taken into account in any benefit calculation and should not affect the amount of benefit, including any Housing Benefit you receive.". Many said that the services that they were in contact with were more associated with the health needs of the person they care for, rather than support for themselves as a carer. ", Understanding how the payment will be made. The web for all its wonders - occasionally goes wrong. A number of participants said that they rely on friends and family for support if they need it. Many felt that this could be expressed more clearly in the draft letter.