I have a couple who have very poor state pensions, having lived abroad for many years. Currently Mrs gets AA and I was thinking about applying for the carers allowance for Mr whose state pension is only £31.23. I have read a couple of paragraphs in the rights book that seem to conradict each other and am unclear if this would give them the carers premium in their pension credit claim.
Any ideas ?

Which bits of the book have you looked at (presuming its the CPAG handbook?)?

Actually no - Disability Rights Handbook. 'a carer premium can be included in your IS, JSA,HB,CTB or NHS benefits. The premium is included if you get CA or have an underlying entitlement to CA but receive an overlapping benefit. An addition equivalent to the carer premium can be included in the calculation of pension credit.'

What is an addition equivalent to the carer premium and should I be worried about it saying it 'can' be included.

I use quickben and that seemed happy with the premium.
I did however mention it to one of the pension service guys and they said they had a case turned down for some strange reason but same scenario which worried me slightly though they didn't appeal it.

The more I look at this the more I think its ok but would just like someone else to think it through as I work alone so don't have anyone to assist in the office.
Thanks
Angela

Hi

I wouldn’t worry about it. The rules for applicable amounts for PC are almost identical to IS/JSA, etc. It’s merely the nomenclature that’s different. In the IS/JSA regulations the phrase “carers premium” is used while in the PC regulations the term “applicable amount for carers" is used.

And when it says "can be included" the book is merely saying "can be included if the conditions of entitlement are met".

Regards
Paul