Campaigns Justice for Carers

When is a benefit not a benefit?
When it should be a wage!!!

This story highlights the complications surrounding the payment of "Carers Benefit"

This is Stephen, walking his dog Ben. Ben had a serious illness which affected his back legs. Ben and Stephen are best friends. Stephen has Downs Syndrom and since Stephen's Dad was receiving Carers Allowance they thought that the PDSA would provide treatment for Ben for a donation. However, although Carers Allowance is means tested (the recipient of the allowance is not allowed to earn more than £85 per week or work more than 16 hours paid employment!), it did not qualify Ben for PDSA help. Carer's Allowance is disguised as a benefit - it doesn't qualify the recipient for free prescriptions, free dental care, or free eye care - it is really a wage, paid at £1.37p per hour - well below the minimum!!! It was a tough financial decision, but Stephen's Dad paid for Ben's treatment (over £140), and Ben is now living a happy and healthy life and is a much loved companion for Stephen - his best pal.
Stephen's Dad said: "I telephoned the PDSA who refused to treat Ben, because although Ben is Stephens dog and Stephen did qualify for help, they both live with me and my £48 carers allowance did not qualify for any help. It was necessary to go private, ironically at the very same PDSA premises. The cost for treatment was just under three weeks carers allowance. If Ben had not pulled through the first time, he would have had to be put to sleep because I could not find the money for any ongoing vets bills."
 
© Justice for Carer's 2007