Hi all and thanks for the help in advance.

I returned back to the UK 3 or 4 months ago after travelling.

I was on a working holiday in Australia for 1 and a half years, then travelling Asia (not working at all) for another year.

After returning my Dad fell ill and is disabled. Therefore he began claiming PiP etc.

He needs help and I have been caring for him.

I made a new claim for carers allowance over 8 weeks ago. (still waiting for an answer)

I have just attempted to make a claim for universal credit and after answering a question about being in the country for the last 2 years the website informed me I am not eligible for universal credit. I assume this was because I have been travelling.

I then researched into carer's allowance and it says you can't claim carer's allowance if you have not been in the country the at least 2 of the last 3 years.

Does this mean I have no rights to any benefits in the UK?

I am a UK citizen and have lived here all my life and intend to stay.

I have literally no money and my Dad needs round the clock care. What do I do?

We are both living of his benefits which is only fit for 1 person.

Can I claim jobseekers if my Dads condition improves?

Thanks

Hello and welcome to CAG.

I don't know the answers to your questions I'm afraid, but try a benefits calculator like entitledto to see what you might be able to claim.

Best, HB

If you have been back in the UK for 3 months, according to this link you can claim benefits.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/coming-from-abroad-and-claiming-benefits-the-habitual-residence-test/british-and-irish-citizens-claiming-benefits/

You might have to visit your nearest Job Centre Plus office and explain your situation. They should be able to find out what you need to do. Also if you are caring for your Dad, perhaps speak to the local council to see if there is any help.

This link is for means tested benefit, so I will ultimately be able to claim universal credit as a job seeker.

Carer's allowance is not means tested, therefore this does not apply.

If I am not eligable for carer's allowance, will I still be able to claim universal credit as a carer?

You may not be entitled to some benefits which require a min NI payment in last 2? yrs.

Check with DWP.

This link is for means tested benefit, so I will ultimately be able to claim universal credit as a job seeker.

 

Carer's allowance is not means tested, therefore this does not apply.

 

If I am not eligable for carer's allowance, will I still be able to claim universal credit as a carer?

The way i see this, is that you need to see someone at your nearest main Job Centre Plus that can assist with benefit enquiries. Otherwise you risk many phone calls and rejected online applications just delaying you receiving any help that might be available.

I can remember seeing a TV programme a few years ago, where someone coming back from abroad was homeless living at an airport for shelter, because they had been refused any help by DWP and the nearest council. In the end it needed intervention by someone at the airport who dealt with such situations, which are not uncommon. They booked an appointment with someone senior at the nearest main Jobcentre and they received help.

There are carers organisations you can contact about your situation.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/carers-allowance

If you read the conditions for carers allowance it seems to disallow a claim because you have not been in the UK or within the EU. But then it explains about other factors that might be taken into account. You have to remember that some coming to the UK have been living abroad for years and never had any intention of returning. Then a relative falls ill and they decide to come to the UK leaving a life abroad possibly with income/assets abroad they are not using. There might be countries where people have lived, that have a benefits system for looking after relatives abroad.

You fall foul of the habitual residency test, this will need to be done in order to claim benefits.