Couple both caring for child who loses DLA in Dec 06 at renewal. Appeal is made. Mother is claiming CA at time, with joint claim for IS. Pending appeal, father claims ib-JSA for the couple and then in april 07, mother starts working 16 hours a week and claims WTC, while father continues to sign on for credits only.

In july 07, child's dla appeal successful and middle rate care component is awarded. Mother is over earnings limit now.

Am I right in thinking only option is for father to claim CA to get whole of CA backdate to Dec 06? Mother misses out on credited contributions for caring before starts work in April 06 but can't see a way to get those back?

I would have thought mother could get supersession of her C.A. claim, thereby securing her continuing award up until April when she started work. The award will end in April. Father could simultaneously claim C.A. from now, with 3 months back-dating. Yes, they'd miss out on the few weeks between April and May (3 months ago), but should secure all the rest, including the Carer's Premium amounts due.