§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he will take to ensure that all full-time carers are granted the right to regular breaks, and that those carers wishing to take up such breaks in the company of their clients are given additional resources.
§ Mr. ScottThe main social security benefit available to carers is invalid care allowance (ICA). ICA is payable to people who give up the opportunity for full-time work to provide regular and substantial care for a severely disabled person receiving attendance allowance. ICA can remain in payment for up to four weeks in any period of 26 weeks while the carer or the person cared for is on holiday, or the caring role is temporarily suspended for some other reason. Breaks in caring can total as much as 12 weeks in a 26-week period, if the breaks are due to the carer or the disabled person undergoing medical or other treatment as an in-patient in a hospital or similar institution.