A 68-year-old unpaid carer who was living off just £333 a month, not knowing she was entitled to a pension, has more than doubled her income following the ‘amazing support’ from a carer wellbeing worker.
The worker from Care Plus Group (CPG), one of three community-interest companies commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB), attended the carer’s home to carry out a yearly review. The carer, who doesn’t often call on support, explained that ‘everything was fine’ and the cared-for was ‘doing ok’.
It was during this visit that the worker discovered the carer was not receiving any pension. She had been an unpaid carer all of her life and never worked, and therefore believed she was not entitled to a pension and was living off her Carer’s Allowance of just £333 a month.
The carer was informed that she was in fact entitled to a state pension and the Care Plus Group worker proceeded to support her in her application with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Once on a state pension, the Carer’s Allowance stops, and you are then able to put in for a Carer’s Premium through Pension Credit.
The 68-year-old called DWP and started the process of looking at her pension and establishing if any back payment could be made.
After several weeks, she was awarded a year’s back payment of almost £6,000 and a first payment of her pension for the new tax year, totalling more than £7,000.
The carer is now receiving more than £800 a month and after receiving her paperwork, she will then be able to put in an application for Pension Credit with Carer’s Premium allowance.
The carer said she was ‘very grateful’ for the carer wellbeing worker’s knowledge and support, and without it, would have continued claiming just Carer’s Allowance.
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “The amazing support from Care Plus Group has been life changing for this lady. From living on just £333 a month, to £800, as well as a £6,000 payment, is significant. I can’t thank our commissioned adult social care services enough for the work they do on a daily basis, giving our unpaid carers support and advice for equal opportunities.”
Leanne Capell, Head of Rehab, Reablement and Therapy at Care Plus Group, said: “This case showcases the brilliant work CPG’s carer’s wellbeing team undertake on a day-to-day basis and how they always go above and beyond for all the carers they support. The team provide essential support which is often life changing for carers in North East Lincolnshire. I can’t praise the team enough for the passion and commitment they have for the work they do and for the individual’s they support – excellent work from all involved.”
Social work for adults is delivered across three community interest companies commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB). Focus, Care Plus Group and Navigo employ nearly 2,000 people. Locally, there are 145 social workers for adults across statutory, voluntary and community services.
Care Plus Group provides diverse services across North East Lincolnshire, entirely about care and supporting those in need in the community.
Around 14,000 people across North East Lincolnshire care for a loved one, according to the most recent Census in 2021. The most recent Census 2021 found that there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK and that 1.7 million people in the UK are providing 50 or more hours of care per week.
Far too often, carers of all ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role. It is vital that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families, local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.
Carers Week, an annual campaign run by Carers UK, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, recognising the outstanding contribution they make to their families, friends and communities.
This year, the theme ‘Caring About Equality’ is highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and poor mental and physical health. Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on the carer’s life, both day-to-day and long-term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school and work.
To find out more about what support is available for unpaid carers, visit carerssupportcentre.com
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