Applying for Carers allowance whilst self employed

[Kathrina_1802]

I’ve had a look through old posts but can’t really find what I’m looking for.

Basically, I’m a carer for my mum. I’ve been self employed for a number of years because of this and it’s worked quite well because it’s given me the flexibility to do what I need to do for Mum but also earn a living. However, I’ve been on maternity leave for the past 9 months and in that time Mums needs have increased which means I’m having less time to work (I’m a freelance secretary and education coordinator).

Someone suggested I apply for carers allowance to at least supplement part of the income I will be losing. We get no other benefits (my husband earns well over the threshold for tax credits).

I’ve printed off the form but have a question about accounts. If I apply now would they want last year’s accounts (which would show I earn too much) or am I better waiting until after the tax year end and doing this year’s which will be significantly lower.

[sunnydisposition]

I’ve had a look through old posts but can’t really find what I’m looking for.

Basically, I’m a carer for my mum. I’ve been self employed for a number of years because of this and it’s worked quite well because it’s given me the flexibility to do what I need to do for Mum but also earn a living. However, I’ve been on maternity leave for the past 9 months and in that time Mums needs have increased which means I’m having less time to work (I’m a freelance secretary and education coordinator).

Someone suggested I apply for carers allowance to at least supplement part of the income I will be losing. We get no other benefits (my husband earns well over the threshold for tax credits).

I’ve printed off the form but have a question about accounts. If I apply now would they want last year’s accounts (which would show I earn too much) or am I better waiting until after the tax year end and doing this year’s which will be significantly lower.

https://www.carersuk.org/forum/support- ... ment-27140
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guid ... asked-ques

[Kathrina_1802]

But neither of those answer my question. Should I wait until the new tax year?

Also what else do they check when you apply?

[Chris From The Gulag]

Hi Katrina ... given the somewhat specialist nature of your enquiry , I can do no more than recommend the Carers UK Advice Team.

Very few readers are experts in the benefits field , the Advice Team are :

https://www.carersuk.org/forum/support- ... line-24147

Let us know how things progess as said information may prove useful to other readers.

[Kathrina_1802]

Just a quick update.

I found the number for our local carers service who were really helpful and gave me the direct number for the carers allowances department.

I've submitted my application and been advised to send my last two years accounts (because I was on Maternity leave for the past year). For the 2016/17 period I did some work for an agency. Do you think I should send my p45s for that as well or will that complicate things. I no longer work for them and haven't done for well over a year

[bowlingbun]

Unfortunately, the Carers Allowance Unit don't always know their own rules! That's why we recommended ringing our CUK helpline first.
(The CA Unit said I wasn't entitled to CA, but the helpline provided all the evidence to say I was).
If you have any problems with the CA Unit, email our CUK helpline.

[Kathrina_1802]

I did find it odd that they wanted two years accounts, especially as the previous years won't connect whatsoever to now. I'll send it anyway and then if they want anything else they can ask.

I must add, the person I spoke to at the DWP was actually quite helpful (when I eventually got through).

Also is the helpline for this site working. I've tried a few times and it keeps saying it's closed.

[susieq]

I did find it odd that they wanted two years accounts, especially as the previous years won't connect whatsoever to now. I'll send it anyway and then if they want anything else they can ask.

I must add, the person I spoke to at the DWP was actually quite helpful (when I eventually got through).

Also is the helpline for this site working. I've tried a few times and it keeps saying it's closed.

Kathrina the help line is working, but is very short staffed at the moment and so has had to cut back on opening times for taking phone calls. Please email them with your query and they will aim to get back to you within 5 working days - advice@carersuk.org