We want a full review and reform of Carer’s Allowance to ensure that it works well at supporting unpaid carers, including raising the level and eligibility criteria for the benefit. We want systems to be modernised and urgent action from DWP to cap and prevent large overpayment debts for carers.
We believe this benefit is at too low a level, has inadequate eligibility criteria and outdated and punitive systems, which are causing unnecessary financial hardship and distress to many unpaid carers, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Thousands of carers are incurring substantial debt as a result of Carer’s Allowance overpayments, sometimes due to going over the earnings limit by as little as £1. Overpayments that result from an honest mistake can lead to debts that run up into £1000s.