25 March 2013
People who are full-time carers may now be eligible for financial assistance following changes to the allowance given to carers.
In the past, people with an annual household income of £63,786 (2012 cap) or more could not claim Invalid Care Allowance, now called Home Carer's Allowance. Following a decision made by the States last year (2012), the cap has been removed so some people may find that they now qualify for support.
To qualify for Home Carer's Allowance, carers must have a Social Security contribution record and the person they care for has to have lived in Jersey for at least one year.
In addition, carers must be of working age, spend at least 35 hours each week caring and earn less than £139.85 per week. The person being cared for must have a very high level of personal care needs. These requirements were all in place for the old benefit.
Home Carer’s Allowance is paid at the same rate as the old Invalid Care Allowance (£810.79 per month). Existing Invalid Care Allowance claimants have been automatically transferred across to Home Carer’s Allowance and they have been individually notified of the changes.
Existing carers who did not qualify for the previous benefit should contact the Social Security Department if they wish to check their eligibility under the new Home Carer's Allowance.
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