Moving from Jobseeker's Allowance to Carer's Allowance

[Urbane Gorilla]

Hi,

 

 

I am caring for a relative who is receiving P.I.P.

 

 

I want to switch from Jobseeker's Allowance to Carer's Allowance

 

 

there is a lot of information online about which benefits are available

I can't find anything about how long it takes to be awarded Carer's Allowance,

when I should notify the jobcentre that I am applying for Carer's Allowance,

and if I can claim Jobseeker's Allowance until I get Carer's Allowance?

 

 

I was also wondering if I am eligible to receive backdated Carer's Allowance and whether I would still have to be on The Work Programme?

 

 

I apologise for all the questions, but I'm sure there will be other people in the same position as me who will also find the information useful.

[Mr.P]

As soon as you are in receipt of CA, your participation in the Work Programme becomes voluntary. Whilst the provider may invite you to attend their premises or ask you to participate in an activity, there is no mandatory requirement to do so. Should you receive any letters telling you that you must attend under the threat of sanction, you should instruct the author(s) to read the appropriate chapters of the DWP issued Provider Guidance.

 

I can't say how long a CA claim would take to process, but I doubt very much that you could back date it. Wouldn't hurt to ask though.

[Urbane Gorilla]

Thanks for the feedback, Mr.P. I've found it hard juggling the responsibilities of being a jobseeker with being a carer and that hasn't been fair to the person I'm looking after either so I'm relieved that the Work Programme is voluntary when my CA claim is awarded.