The government has broken its silence over energy bills support for carers. Carers have been urged to check if they are missing out on any benefits that could boost their income amid the ongoing Cost of Living crisis across the UK.
SNP MP Owen Thompson asked the Government if energy ministers have looked at "providing additional support to carers to help with rising energy costs". Energy minister Amanda Solloway said in response to the question: "Energy prices have fallen significantly since last winter, and the Q2 2024 price cap has fallen by nearly 60 percent since Q1 2023 when the price cap peaked.
"The Government’s cost-of-living support package between 2022 to 2025 is worth £108billion, or £3,800 per household on average, one of the largest support packages in Europe." The Tory MP explained: "Carer’s Allowance is also available to provide a measure of financial support to those not able to work full time due to their caring responsibilities. The rate of Carer’s Allowance is £81.90 a week.
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"In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit." Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people caring ‘regularly and substantially’ for a person who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
It is an ‘income replacement benefit’, designed to provide financial support to people who give up the chance to work full time in order to provide care. In 2024/25, Carer’s Allowance is worth £81.90 a week, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed.
Carer’s Allowance iss “a benefit that provides some financial recognition that a carer may not be able to work full-time”, and was part of “a range of support based on individual needs, rather than a wage", the government has said previously.
It said the Government fully recognised the “invaluable contribution” and “vital role” of unpaid and family carers.
