Carers Allowance

I have a client who claims CA for looking after her son who lives with her.  She also claims IS with CP.  There is talk of her son going to a boarding school in the next year where he will live and return home in the holidays.  She will care for him when he is home.

Problem is i do not think she will remain entitled to CA and will instead have to claim JSA but is this correct as when he is home she will not be available for work?

Thanks for any help

Carers may restrict their availability for work to a minimum of 16 hours in any week as long as they have reasonable prospects of finding employment.  And the notice period requirement for taking up a job is also extended.  She should sit down with an employment adviser if and when she claims JSA and build this into the agreement.  However, if she is not available at all when he is at home then that is a problem. She could come off JSA and reclaim CA/IS in the vacations.  This might be a lot of hassle in the short holidays but not so much for the summer one.