28-10-02
Invalid Care Allowance reform must benefit more - Barrett
John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today welcomed changes to Invalid Care Allowance which will give people over 65 the right to claim the allowance for the first time but noted that only around 240 people in Edinburgh are likely to benefit.
The reforms, which come into effect from today (28th October) will allow those over 65 to for make new claims for Invalid Care Allowance of up to £42.45 a week. Previously only those under 65 were qualified for the benefit.
Pensioners in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee and eligible can also apply for a carer premium of £24.80 per week.
In a statement, John Barrett MP said:
"Elderly carers make an enormous contribution to community care and deserve extra support.
"However, of the 9,300 carers in Edinburgh, only around 240 will benefit from the new rules. Yet again, the Westminster Government has failed to properly support elderly carers and recognise the importance they play in care for the elderly.
"Nevertheless, I would encourage anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply. For those pensioners on a low income, the additional £24.80 premium is well deserved and long overdue."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. To be eligible you need to be spending at least 35 hours a week looking after someone who is getting or waiting to hear about Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or higher rate for personal care), Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance or War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance.
2. The estimate of 9,327 retired carers in Edinburgh is based on the consistent figure of 13% of >65s found to be carers in the General Household Survies of 1985, 1990 and 1995.
3. The estimate of 240 is calculated thus: * The government estimates that 40,000 will benefit across the UK. * There are 9,340,606 over 65s in the UK - 40,000 is 0.4% of this population. * There are 69,090 over 65s in Edinburgh - 0.4% of this population is 240.