 |
|
about da 
advisers benefits coalition on charging contact da disability benefits consortium home links membership policy and campaigns search shop site map support da tax credits what's new
This National Audit Office Report, published 26 February 2009, found that the majority of carers who receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are satisfied with the support they receive. However at least a fifth have difficulties in applying for carer's allowance (CA) and some carers are confused by the way CA interacts with other benefits.
Many eligible carers do not apply for CA because they are not aware of it or do not think they are eligible or else are worried about the possible effect on the benefits of the person that they care for.
A quarter of those receiving CA, whom the NAO surveyed, wanted paid work alongside their caring responsibilities. Although most carers were satisfied with general work-related advice they received from Jobcentre Plus, over 70 per cent found that its services were not well suited to their personal circumstance as carers, for example, the need for work with restricted hours or flexible working patterns. Only a fifth of Jobcentre Plus staff thought they had all the skills and knowledge they needed to support carers who want to do paid work.
 |
