§ Paul FarrellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to grant(a) the carers' allowance and (b) other financial assistance to carers over 65 years irrespective of other benefit entitlements. [133956]
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§ Maria EagleThe upper age limit for carer's allowance was abolished with effect from 28 October 2002. The allowance for those over 65 years is subject to the same rules as those which apply when a person below the state pension age is entitled to more than one Social Security benefit.
Only one benefit at a time can be paid in full for income maintenance. Both state pension and carer's allowance provide a measure of income replacement for individuals who have reached pension age. In these circumstances one benefit has to be adjusted by reference to the other.
As to other financial assistance, even if carer's allowance is not payable under these rules, a carer entitled to state pension credit will receive the carer premium worth £25.10 a week. There are no plans to change these arrangements.