SIR,
From Monday 12th April, Carer's Allowance, the only state benefit specifically aimed at carers, will be made available to a greater number of people who are working.
Carer's Allowance cannot be paid to a carer if he or she works and earns more than a set amount. The UK government has announced that this earnings limit will be raised from £95 to £100 after tax deductions – the first time it has been changed since 2007.
For working families caring for a disabled child, the Carer's Allowance rules allow certain childcare costs to be deducted from earnings, so some people may qualify even though they are earning slightly more than £100 per week.
It's good news for working carers in Wales, who provide an average of 35 hours a week of care, but are just missing out on Carer's Allowance.
From April, Carer's Allowance will rise from £53.10 per week to £53.90.
Contact a Family supports families who care for a disabled child. Its free helpline can provide advice for families with disabled children who want to know if the change in the rules will enable them to claim the allowance. Call 0808 808 3555.
Keith Bowen
(Director, Contact a Family)