James Cunningham

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City MP Jim pushes for carer's allowance extension

ELDERLY people claiming state pensions should be able to claim carer’s benefit, Jim Cunningham said today.

Currently two benefits cannot be paid to the same individual for the same purposes at the same time.

The state pension age barrier has gone up under the Labour Government but elderly people claiming state pension are unable to obtain a carer’s allowance.

Mr Cunningham raised the issue in the House of Commons with Pensions Minister Anne McGuire.

The Minister said the Government is examining ways to boost the income of carers, not just in retirement but throughout their lives.

Carers can earn up to £87 a week as well as receiving carer’s allowance, she said.
But Mr Cunningham asked for more to be done on people with old-age pension being able to claim carer’s benefit.

The Minister responded that there was a ‘complication with two benefits that are essentially for income maintenance being paid to the same person for the same purpose at the same time.’

Following the debate, Mr Cunningham said: “The carer’s allowance was originally introduced by a Labour Government in the 1970s as a recognition of carers’ commitment to their caring responsibilities.

“I’m pleased with the work the Government has done so far in helping carers such as allowing them to claim the extra entitlement through pension credit that gives them an extra £27.15 a week.

“But more can be done in this area particularly when it comes to elderly people who act as a carer who also receive a state pension.”