Petition Review and reform Carer's Allowance to increase support and reduce overpayments
We want a full review and reform of Carer’s Allowance to ensure that it works well at supporting unpaid carers, including raising the level and eligibility criteria for the benefit. We want systems to be modernised and urgent action from DWP to cap and prevent large overpayment debts for carers.
More details
We believe this benefit is at too low a level, has inadequate eligibility criteria and outdated and punitive systems, which are causing unnecessary financial hardship and distress to many unpaid carers, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Thousands of carers are incurring substantial debt as a result of Carer’s Allowance overpayments, sometimes due to going over the earnings limit by as little as £1. Overpayments that result from an honest mistake can lead to debts that run up into £1000s.
At 10,000 signatures...
At 10,000 signatures, government will respond to this petition
At 100,000 signatures...
At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament
Related activity
Carer's Allowance petition debated in Parliament
MPs debated a petition about Carer's Allowance on Monday 22 April. The debate was opened by Christina Rees MP, a member of the Petitions Committee.
What is a petitions debate?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates in Westminster Hall, which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs didn't vote on the request of the petition at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government. Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee.
Work and Pensions Committee investigates Carer's Allowance
The Work and Pensions Committee have held two 'evidence sessions' with experts and the Government Minister for Disabled People on the effectiveness of Carer’s Allowance and the support it provides for carers.
The Work and Pensions Committee is a cross-party group of MPs that look into the work of the Department for Work and Pensions. Find out more about the Committee.
An evidence session is an oral hearing where key stakeholders, such as Ministers or campaigners, answer questions on a particular topic. They help MPs on the committee to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.