As part of Disability Talk’s campaign to raise the Carer’s Allowance we asked ‘Oliver Twist’ to accompany us to the Department of Health & Social Security.
And in his bowl is the princely sum of £2.19
Why that amount? Because if you are an unpaid carer who cares for a minimum of 35 hours per week and if you are considered eligible (lots of hurdles to overcome) you can claim the Carer’s Allowance of £76.75 per week.
AND THAT EQUATES TO £2.19 PER HOUR!
THE ADULT MINIMUM WAGE IS £1O.42 PER HOUR!
Helen Whately MP is the current Minister of State for Social Care
PLEASE, MISS, I WANT SOME MORE.
Our aim is to persuade our Government to increase the Carer’s Allowance so that it at least equals the minimum wage.
This means increasing the weekly benefits (currently £76.75) to the following:
End of 2024 .. £172.87
End of 2025 .. £268.99
End of 2026 .. £364.70