§ Mr. Siôn SimonTo ask the Minister for Women what entitlements are available to women who act as carers who have been receiving Carer's Allowance, once they have become entitled to state pension. [126105]
§ Ms HewittWomen entitled to both Carer's Allowance and State Pension receive the latter because the social security overlapping benefits rules give precedence to payment of State Pension, which is a contributory benefit, over payment of a non-contributory benefit such as Carer's Allowance. If the weekly amount of State Pension paid is less than the weekly rate of Carer's Allowance, the amount by which the Carer's Allowance exceeds State Pension is also paid. In addition, such carers may also be entitled to the carer premium if they are in receipt of an income related benefit, to a State Second Pension, other social security benefits depending on their circumstances, and the Christmas Bonus and Winter Fuel Payments.