HC Deb 10 July 2003 vol 408 cc971-2W
Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people over the state retirement age have(a) applied for and (b) received the full carer's allowance since October 2002; [124349]

(2) how many people over the state retirement age, living in Devon, have (a) applied for and (b) received the carers' allowance since October 2002. [124353]

Maria Eagle

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: The information is in the following tables and relates to the period October 2002 to February 2003. The majority of carers over state pension age who qualify for carer's allowance also receive a state pension of an equal or higher amount. In these circumstances, the overlapping benefits rules preclude the payment of carer's allowance. However, people affected in this way can, if they are on a low income, qualify for the carer premium payable with income related benefits.

Number of people over state pension age in Great Britain who have (a) claimed carer's allowance and (b) received the full rate of the allowance
Number
(a) Claims 25,630
(b) In payment in full 560
Number of people over state pension age in Devon who have (a) claimed carer's allowance and (b) received the allowance
Number
(a) Claims 290
(b) In payment 20

Notes:

Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

The "claims" figures refer to the number of people over state pension age making a claim. Each person may have made more than one claim.

The "in payment in full" figure relates to any over state pension age person in Great Britain receiving the full amount of the allowance at the end of any month from October 2002 to February 2003.

The "in payment" figure relates to any over state pension age person, in Devon receiving payment of the allowance at the end of any month from October 2002 to February 2002.

The figures for Devon exclude Unitary Authorities within the ceremonial boundary.

State Pension age is 60 for women and 65 for men.

Source:

100 per cent. data from the Carer's Allowance Computer System (CACS) supplied by Information and Analysis Directorate. Figures are at 28 February 2003