CARERS UK Formerly CNA
SUPPORTING ALL CARERS
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. D. Rodger Tel. 01695 723591
WEST LANCS CARERS CENTRE Hillside Health Centre, Tanhouse Road, Skelmersdale WN8 6DS Tel/Fax: 01695 735420 HELPLINE: 0800 174877 email: centre@westlancscarers.co.uk web: www.westlancscarers.co.uk

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From 28 October 2002 the rules for claiming Invalid Care Allowance will change. The main changes are:

• ICA will be paid for the first 8 weeks after the person you look after dies;
• Carers aged over 65 can claim ICA for the first time.

The 8 Week Extension
Currently ICA stops being paid immediately if the person you look after dies. If the death occurs on or after 28 October 2002 your ICA can be paid for the next 8 weeks. You must continue to satisfy all other ICA rules to get the benefit during this time (e.g. ICA will stop if you earn more than £75 per week).

Carers over 65 and ICA
At the moment you cannot make a new claim for ICA if you are aged 65 or over. From 28 October 2002 carers aged 65 or over can claim ICA.

Most people over 65 will not be paid ICA. ICA cannot be paid if you get a state retirement pension paid at a higher weekly rate . If your retirement pension is less than ICA, your pension is "topped-up" to the weekly rate of ICA. The standard weekly rate of ICA is £42.45 a week. Sometimes payment of ICA can reduce the amount of benefit received by the person you look after. If in doubt, seek advice.

Even, if ICA can't be paid, it may be worth making a claim. If your retirement pension stops you getting ICA, you have an underlying entitlement to ICA. This can help you qualify for, or get more from, means-tested benefits. An extra amount called the carer premium is included when calculating housing benefit, council tax benefit, rate rebate in Northern Ireland, and income support (also known as the minimum income guarantee).

What to do
You can claim ICA up to 3 months before the change. If you are 65 you can make your claim any time after 28 July 2002. It can take several weeks to process your claim, so claim as soon as you can. To get a claim form call the Department of Work and Pensions' helpline for disabled people and carers on 0800 882200.

If you are unsure whether you will qualify for ICA or for extra means-tested benefits, ask for a benefits check from your local welfare rights unit, or call The West Lancs Carers Helpline 0800 174 877.

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