I think if we want to debate anything with the dear Doctor we need to be clear of our facts. I think Pete and I are a fairly typical couple in terms of husband/wife - disabled/carer under pensionable age - so this is my situation as of todays date. I have no problem sharing it with you as its available to anyone on application. No ifs,buts or maybes - just facts.
How much the law says you need to live on: Disabled man 55 on higher rate DLA both care and mobility component, Carer 51 not working:
Personal allowance for couples 87.30
Disability premium 33.85
" " enhanced 16.75
Carer premium 25.55
--------
TOTAL 163.45
From this minimum guaranteed income they deduct Incapacity Benefit, Carer Allowance and £1 for each £250 over £3000 savings.
The balance (if any) is paid by Income Support.
Means tested or overlapping – its only semantics. Carers allowance is taken into consideration when calculating income and is not "to provide income, seperate from that provided for the disabled person being cared for - and to provide an idependant income for carers" as Maria Eagle said to me in a letter.
Lynn X
How much the law says you need to live on: Disabled man 55 on higher rate DLA both care and mobility component, Carer 51 not working:
Personal allowance for couples 87.30
Disability premium 33.85
" " enhanced 16.75
Carer premium 25.55
--------
TOTAL 163.45
From this minimum guaranteed income they deduct Incapacity Benefit, Carer Allowance and £1 for each £250 over £3000 savings.
The balance (if any) is paid by Income Support.
Means tested or overlapping – its only semantics. Carers allowance is taken into consideration when calculating income and is not "to provide income, seperate from that provided for the disabled person being cared for - and to provide an idependant income for carers" as Maria Eagle said to me in a letter.
Lynn X
