Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Legislative differences complicate benefit mergers and impact Pension Credit for carers.
Conclusion
Differences in rules mean that it is not straightforward to award one benefit based on information provided for another without changes in legislation. We look forward to seeing the consultation on the Government’s proposed merger of Housing Benefit and Pension Credit and how the challenges arising from the differences are proposed to be overcome. In addition, we heard that in the case of carers, there is a specific change that could be made to increase Pension Credit take-up. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the confusing system for carers to qualify for Pension Credit and states it is considering ways to improve the link between Carer’s Allowance and Pension Credit, as well as application routes for pensioners with caring responsibilities.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government acknowledges that the current system which requires a person to claim Carer’s Allowance (CA)—which for most pensioners will not be payable alongside the State Pension—in order to qualify for an additional amount in Pension Credit is confusing and potentially may mean a delay for some carers in getting all the financial support available to them. We are considering what more can be done to improve the link between Carer’s Allowance and Pension Credit as well as ways to improve Pension Credit application routes to better highlight to pensioners with caring responsibilities the information they need to make a claim.