§ 13. Barbara FollettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to help young carers. [136120]
§ Mr. BayleySocial Security benefits are available for carers aged 16 and over. This means that measures recently announced, such as the increase in the Invalid Care Allowance earnings limit, the increase in carer premium and the extension of entitlement to Invalid Care Allowance for up to eight weeks after the disabled person dies, will help young carers, as well as others.
36. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further action he is taking to support carers. [136144]
§ Mr. BayleyWe recently announced steps to improve financial support for carers. We intend to:
- Increase the carer premium in the Income Related benefits by £10 a week on top of next year's inflation uprating;
- increase the earnings limit in Invalid Care Allowance from £50 a week to the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit, currently £67 per week;
- allow ICA to continue for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for;
- allow claims to ICA to be made from people aged 65 and over which will assist carers whose State pension is less than the rate of ICA and those who receive the Minimum Income Guarantee.
We will be seeking to introduce these changes as soon as the legislative timetable permits. The changes will help an estimated 300,000 carers at a cost of over £500 million over three years.