STORY
The Government has opened a six-week call for evidence on reforms to Carer’s Allowance, with Ministers considering changes to the earnings limit and the way income is assessed. The review is intended to reduce the risk that carers lose all entitlement after exceeding the current threshold by a small amount.
The Department for Work and Pensions said it wanted to make the benefit more predictable for people whose pay varies from week to week. It will also seek views on how carers can be better supported to combine paid employment with substantial caring responsibilities.
The consultation follows repeated criticism of overpayment demands issued to carers who unknowingly crossed the earnings limit. Ministers said responses from carers, employers and representative organisations would help shape proposals for a system that is easier to understand and administer.