	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN Providing Support, Information and a A Voice for Carers in West Lothian

Carers Win Benefits Rule Change

This extract is taken from the Carers UK website - www.carersuk.org

Since 2002, carers claiming Carer's Allowance are required to participate in a work focussed interview (WFI) as a condition of their claim. Many carers were worried about the compulsory interviews and having their benefits stopped if they didn't attend. Many are not in a position to return to work, and the demands caused carers to worry about who would care for their loved one if they were forced to work.

These concerns were raised with ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions. As a result, Jobcentreplus have announced that from 31 October 2005, the Regulations relating to work focussed interviews will be changed. WFI's will no longer be a condition of the claim and carers will no longer face a potential sanction for refusing to attend an interview.

This is an important change in the focus of the interviews and recognises that paid work may not be an option for some carers. The interview is now voluntary and can focus on more than just supporting someone back to work and should include a full benefit check and a discussion about other options which carers might not have considered previously, such as learning or training. This could provide essential support to a carer who is thinking about returning to work, perhaps because their caring role has changed or is coming to an end.

However, though the rule has been changed for Carer's Allowance, people caring for a partner in receipt of Incapacity Benefit or Income Support, may still be subject to an interview in respect of their partner's claim.

For further information contact:
Carers UK, Dave Clark on: 0207 566 7616 or 07799 49 45 76 Madeleine Starr on 020 7566 7607

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