I saw my sons consultant today and he told me he'd heard that carers allowance was being stopped, anyone know if this is true and why? :confused:

No it's not.

No it's not.

oh i wonder where he heard it from then?

It's probably to do with the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance from next August (scheduled), which will replace Incapacity Benefit, and Income Support on the grounds of disability. I don't think the full policy has been written yet.

It's probably to do with the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance from next August (scheduled), which will replace Incapacity Benefit, and Income Support on the grounds of disability. I don't think the full policy has been written yet.

oh right, maybe thats it. Whats the betting it means a zillion other forms to fill in :roll:

Delighted to say honeyb that everyone currently claiming IB & related IS seem to have peace of mind according to this link Parliamentary publications - Employment & Support Allowance (www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmworpen/616/61607.htm)

138. The proposal in the Green Paper that has probably received the most attention is that of the reform of incapacity benefits. Unlike the current incapacity benefits system, the new benefit will not assume that all claimants are incapable of work. This chapter will examine the evidence received during the inquiry on the proposed new benefit.

The structure of ESA

139. From 2008, and for new claimants only, a new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will replace Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity. This will be structured as follows:[142]

* When an individual applies for the ESA, they will enter an assessment phase lasting no more than 12 weeks (this includes the reformed PCA - as outlined in the previous chapter). After 8 weeks, claimants will undertake a work-focused interview (WFI). During this assessment phase, they will receive a 'holding benefit' set at Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) rates.
* If the PCA confirms eligibility for the benefit, the claimant will move on to the main phase of the ESA. Most will receive the 'Employment Support' component which will be conditional on drawing up a personal action plan focused on rehabilitation and work-related activity. The benefit rate will be higher than the holding benefit and set above the current long-term Incapacity Benefit rate. If claimants do not attend their WFI or prepare an action plan, the benefit will be reduced in a series of slices down to the holding benefit level.
* Claimants with the most severe illnesses and disabilities, as identified in the new PCA, will receive the 'Support' component of the ESA which will be paid at a higher level than the current equivalent rate. They will not be required to undertake work-related activity, but will be able to engage in it on a voluntary basis.

140. The new ESA will not contain age additions or adult dependency payments. Those currently receiving Income Support plus the Enhanced Disability Premium or the Severe Disability Premium will continue to get the additional support currently provided through these premiums.

Reactions to the proposed new benefit

141. Evidence received on the new benefit system was mixed and, as with the PCA, it was felt that the limited detail in the Green Paper inhibited useful discussion on all aspects of the reforms. The main areas raised were: the level at which the benefits will be set; the content of the action plan and 'work-related activity'; the extent and necessity of compulsion and sanctions; the ability to move between the two components; the effect of the reforms on existing claimants; and of the implications for benefit simplification. We discuss these issues below.

Please note that they are propositions and that the full policy hasn't been written yet.

The idea is to have one single form/benefit covering people of working age.

Delighted to say honeyb that everyone currently claiming IB & related IS seem to have peace of mind according to this link Parliamentary publications - Employment & Support Allowance (www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmworpen/616/61607.htm)

>snip<

I don't really see what there is to have peace of mind about. Instead of getting Incapacity Benefit straight away, people will have to wait out a "holding period" and so get less money. Then they will have the threat held over them of their benefit being reduced or removed unless they complete an action plan, which will be meaningless unless there are jobs available, and will be doubly meaningless if they are not really well enough to work. But they'll have to do it anyway.

Please note that I did say "seems to have" and the operative word there is "seems". As far as I am aware for anyone on any form of benefit there is always the anxiety of what could or will happen. Unfortunately it goes with the package and as far as I am concerned it's just one of those unpleasant facts of life that I've had to learn to live with. IF, as Happyhippy indicates, "The idea is to have one single form/benefit covering people of working age" then likely as not this attempt at rationalising benefits will be just one more thing that we'll just have to learn to adapt to.

AND from this perspective alone, it is a shame that Blunkett was removed the Cabinet because as far as I am aware he was opposed to taking this line with disabled people.

Please note that I did say "seems to have" and the operative word there is "seems". As far as I am aware for anyone on any form of benefit there is always the anxiety of what could or will happen. Unfortunately it goes with the package and as far as I am concerned it's just one of those unpleasant facts of life that I've had to learn to live with. IF, as Happyhippy indicates, "The idea is to have one single form/benefit covering people of working age" then likely as not this attempt at rationalising benefits will be just one more thing that we'll just have to learn to adapt to.

AND from this perspective alone, it is a shame that Blunkett was removed the Cabinet because as far as I am aware he was opposed to taking this line with disabled people.

I agree that Blunkett seemed keen to properly overhaul the system so that it would be much easier to use, and it did look like he was getting less keen on sanctions against IB claimants. Because of this, he probably would have been replaced by Hutton anyway, since policy seems to be made on the front page of the Daily Mail these days.