Switching from Jobseeker's Assistance to Carer's Allowance

DBCooper

I'm unemployed and currently claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. Just before Christmas, a family member was diagnosed with a serious longterm illness and I've been caring for them since then. I'm thinking of applying for Carer's Allowance.
If I apply for Carer's Allowance, do I have to inform the dole office that I've made an application? If this is the case, does that mean my dole money will be stopped straight away? I've heard that it can take over 6 months for a decision to be made over an application for Carer's Allowance and I'm not sure I could afford to be without any income for that length of time. Also, if my Carer's Allowance application is unsuccessful, does that mean that I've lost my entitlement for Jobseekers Allowance for the length of time it took to process my claim for C/A?

I'd be really grateful if anyone could answer these questions for me.

Rooneymara

Strictly speaking they are two different things, as a jobseeker you are seeking full time work and as a Carer you are expected to provide full time care. So what you should do is go get your jobseekers allowance stopped and then go to the Community Welfare officer (CWO) and get a supplementary welfare allowance payment until there is a decision on your carers allowance claim. The money that the CWO pays you will be taken from your Carers Allowance arrears if you are awarded otherwise if not awarded you will be able to go back on to JA provided your circumstances have not changed in anyway that might affect payment, that would be means etc.

The rate for Supplementary Welfare Allowance is generally the same as JA or JB so you are unlikely to lose out.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/supplementary_welfare_allow.html

here is a link to the CWO information:

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/ContactUs/Pages/cwo_contact.aspx

DBCooper

Thanks Rooneymara

psychic34

Hi i know this is an old thread but could you tell me how you got on with this as Im in the same situation.
thanks