New calls to give people on Carer's Allowance £900 cost of living payment next year
08.12.2022 - 18:31
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance, including 81,682 living in Scotland. However, new research from the Carers Trust suggests that some unpaid carers are relying on loans and credit cards to help them pay bills during the cost of living crisis.
As a result of its findings, the charity is urging the UK Government to provide additional cost of living support to unpaid carers now, and to develop a long-term funding strategy for social care. It said that Carer’s Allowance is not an adequate income replacement and recipients are more likely to struggle to make ends meet or use food banks compared to people who do not receive the benefit.
While Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with inflation next April, increasing from £69.70 per week to £76.75, claimants will still not be eligible for the new £900 cost of living payment announced in the Autumn Statement earlier this month.
The study indicates that almost two-thirds of unpaid carers have had to stop working or reduce their hours so they can continue caring. The charity said people who care for loved ones are experiencing “unprecedented financial hardship” as the cost of living crisis deepens.
Its opt-in survey of 2,675 unpaid carers over the UK between July 22 and August 24 found that 41 per cent of respondents have given up paid work so they can care for a sick or disabled loved one. A further 23 per cent have reduced the number of hours they work because of their caring role.
The research also suggested that one in seven (14%) family carers are using food banks, while 25 per cent have cut back on food, and nine per cent have either sold
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