chip said:
What happens when a carer ends caring and is of working age? I have to go to hospital now to get tests and i'm unable to work due to walking and balance problems. Will i qualify for any benefits? I got carers allowance. I don't no how long i will not be able to work. I also don't no if it will mean a operation or if they can fix my problem. Does anyone know? Surely i can't be on my own in this as a high percentage of carers get ill.
You can still get carer's allowance if you have "temporary breaks" in caring. For example, if you stop because you are ill. The Government site says:
if you receive medical or other treatment as an inpatient in a hospital or similar institution, your Carer's Allowance can be paid for up to 12 weeks in any 26 week period, depending on whether you have also had breaks from caring for other reasons
I don't know what happens if you are too ill to care, but are still at home.
Incapacity Benefit is a "contributions based" benefit, which means you need to have been paying National Insurance to receive it. People who receive Carer Allowance and who don't work don't pay NI, but they do receive NI "credits". I am not sure whether these count towards qualifying you to contributions based benefits or whether it is just things like State Pension. I think it is only State Pension.
However, this requirement is waived once you have been ill for longer than 28 consecutive weeks.
If you're unable to work/care in the longer term because you are in effect disabled then you would be able to claim Diability Living Allowance.
You could call the Benefits Helpline for advice - 0800 88 22 00. They will not have access to your records, but can provide general advice. You could explain your circumstances and see what they say.
You could also go to a Citizens Advice for help.
There is a lot of information here too:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTa...oBenefits/index.htm?cids=Google_PPC&cre=Money
You would need to notify the DWP of your change in circumstances. You do this by calling the Carer Allowance Unit on 01253 856 123.
They will be able to tell you how your Carer Allowance will be affected.