§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out the circumstances in which a full-time carer aged 16 years may receive invalid care allowance, the effect on entitlement of the carer undertaking a course of education, and the role of Benefits Agency staff in assisting such carers. [91870]
§ Mr. BayleyCarers aged 16 who care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week may receive Invalid Care Allowance (ICA), subject to satisfying the other conditions of entitlement. A carer of any age will not be entitled to ICA if they undertake a course of full-time education, which for ICA purposes is defined as 21 hours a week.
All carers who claim ICA are advised of the outcome of their claim and their right of appeal. In addition, the Benefits Agency are preparing a Multi-benefit bulletin to remind all staff of the other bodies who can help young carers and highlight the importance of being sympathetic to a young person's needs.