Carers call on MPs to protect future carers’ benefits as vote on the welfare bill continues

MPs are being asked to show their support for carers’ benefits ahead of the second reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.  

Charity Carers UK said it is deeply concerned to see the Government pressing ahead with plans which will see future claimants lose their entitlement to carers’ benefits, representing a reduction in financial support for carers.  

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

It is also a ‘gateway benefit’ for Carer’s Allowance – to claim Carer’s Allowance you must spend at least 35 hours caring for someone and they must receive a relevant disability benefit, such as the daily living component of PIP.  

Carer’s Allowance remains the lowest benefit of its kind at £83.30 per week, but it is still a crucial benefit in the UK providing financial support for those who face additional bills associated with their caring role, long hours of care and limited access to flexible, paid employment resulting in a higher likelihood of financial hardship. 

Around 12,000 people become an unpaid carer every day in the UK. Whilst the Government has agreed to protect existing claimants on PIP, the Bill as it stands will still include the new four-point rule for PIP.

This will tighten the eligibility criteria and mean that many new claimants will lose out on PIP and Carer’s Allowance as a result.  

Carers UK analysis showed that families who lose eligibility to both PIP and Carer’s Allowance will stand to lose over £8,000 a year, pushing more people into poverty.