A report by CarersUK has recommended- 'Reform the benefits system to better support carers financially in the short and long term' 'Given that the value of carer’s support is estimated to be a staggering £162 billion per year in England and Wales alone, it is unacceptable that so many carers are struggling.'
'Carers UK recommends that the UK Government creates a social security system to support carers, which is ft for the 21st century. This needs to be made up of measures delivered quickly to support carers, as well as longer review:
• In their Autumn Statement in November and Budget in March, Government needs to announce an extra package of urgent support for unpaid carers over Winter, reducing the impact of the higher cost of living.
• The level and eligibility rules for Carer’s Allowance – the lowest benefit of its kind – should be urgently reviewed and reformed to ensure it adequately values and supports unpaid carers to continue to provide care and to look after their own needs and wellbeing. It should be increased to at least match other similar benefits.
• The earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance should be raised to the value of 21 hours work a week at the National Living Wage rate (£218.82 at 23/24 rates) to allow carers to work more hours a week where they wish to do so, without losing their entitlement. This would allow those who are able to work more hours.to do so, thereby increasing their income and helping them cope with the cost of living crisis. It would also support carers to continue with paid work while caring.
• The earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance should be linked to increases in National Living Wage in law so that the number of hours a carer is allowed to work, whilst claiming Carer’s Allowance, does not continue to reduce year on year.
• A lower rate of Carer’s Allowance should be introduced to give access to the benefit for those caring between 20 hours a week and 35 hours a week. 20 hours per week is equivalent to having a part-time job and should be recognised and valued. This would allow to support many carers who have had to reduce their working hours to provide care.
• More than one person should be entitled to receive Carer’s Allowance, when multiple people are providing care for the same person. This would give more people the opportunity to continue with their career and paid work whilst caring, meaning they should be better able to support themselves financially. Many family members will take turns to provide care for a person who needs round-the-clock care.
• Carer’s Allowance operations should be digitised to enable the Government to make much faster adjustments to payments and to introduce different rates. The current system is overly complex and difficult to navigate, leaving people unsure about what support they may be entitled to, or how to get it. Carers tell us when they do access support, the experience is time consuming and bureaucratic.
• The run on of Carer’s Allowance payments following the death of the person being cared for should be extended from 8 to 12 weeks.
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