The DWP has confirmed in its latest guidance that total benefits will usually go up or stay the same if someone puts in a claim for Carer’s Allowance but they shouldn’t decrease.

However, it’s important to note that applying for Carer’s Allowance, could mean the person being cared for stops receiving help towards council tax.

It could also lead to them not receiving severe Disability Premium paid with their benefits or an extra amount of severe disability paid with Pension Credit.

Pensioners should be aware they cannot get the full amount of both Carer’s Allowance and State Pension at the same time.