Do I have to be the named parent for DLA to receive carer's allowance?

[thedryad]

Hi all,

 

My son is disabled and gets higher rate care and mobility DLA. It is in my husband's name - i.e. all correspondence goes to him. He was claiming carers allowance but we have recently separated. Carers allowance has been stopped. Can I claim carer's allowance for my son even though the DLA is claimed by my husband? The DLA money goes into my account to use as I see fit for our son.

[thedryad]

Also - tax credits - when I notify them that my husband and I have separated, will they just amend the existing claim or will I have to re-apply?

[thedryad]

Bump, hello anyone there?

[citizenB]

Hi, the people who normally advise in this forum have day jobs so will likely be along sometime later this evening

[citizenB]

IMHO, I would advise the Department responsible for the benefits for your son, of the situation and have them transferred into your name.

[thedryad]

But wouldn't that mean re-applying for the DLA? It is a huge hassle having to apply as it is!

[id6052]

you dont need to reapply for DLA, as the award is your son's

 

you just need to ask them to change the payee, and possibly also become the appointee

 

as long as nobody else is claiming carers allowance, you should be able to, as long as caring for 35+ hours and not earning over the £110 threshold per week

 

tax credits, you will need to end joint claim and make a claim as single person

[Ros1609]

You will need to ring DLA to change the appointee

As long as you care for your son for 35+ hours a week and don't earn over £110 a week you can claim Carers

You will unfortunately have to reapply for tax credits as a single claim rather then a joint claim. Your money will stop but it will be backdated once your single claim is set up