Carer’s Allowance Overpayments 2024-10-07
2024-10-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There are nearly 1,200 recipients of Carers' Allowance in Shipley. Recipients face the risk of overpayment due to breaches of the qualifying rules and a disincentive for working.
What steps is she taking to tackle carer's allowance overpayments?
The work of unpaid carers is vital and often heroic, and we are determined to give them the support that they need. We are currently looking at options for tackling the problem of overpayments, including the possible introduction of a text message alert service.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific measures beyond considering options and an alert system without a clear timeline or details on implementation.
Looking At Options
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Carers often face deep debt due to repaying overpaid allowances after unintentionally breaching the qualifying rules. There is a need for societal support in addressing this issue.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that we, as a society, have a duty of care to carers and can he say more about the progress made on tackling carer's allowance overpayments?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I agree that we need to support carers properly. We want to get to the bottom of what has gone wrong with these overpayments and why so many people have been caught out. We have piloted a text message service involving 3,500 claimants, which will inform them when HMRC informs DWP of breaches in the earnings limit. This is currently under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to raising the earnings limit or addressing the earnings cliff edge beyond piloting a text message service.
Looking At Results
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Nearly 1,200 recipients of Carers' Allowance in Shipley face the risk of overpayment and discouragement from working due to the earnings limit.
Will the Government consider raising the earnings limit to prevent accidental overpayments and encourage employment among carers?
My hon. Friend has written to me about this matter, and I welcome her commitment to making progress. The former Work and Pensions Committee made several recommendations on the earnings rules, and we will respond once the new Committee is in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing or raising the earnings limit beyond noting previous committee recommendations.
New Committee
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Unpaid carers are hesitant to apply for Carer's Allowance due to concerns about financial implications from overpayments.
Can the Government reassure those who have not yet come forward that they will be supported properly?
I very much hope we can provide such support. There is considerable anxiety about these overpayment issues, and an alert service will inform people when they encounter problems to prevent large overpayments in the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to providing specific reassurances or concrete actions beyond hoping for positive developments with the text message service.
Hopeful Statements
Response accuracy