Carer's Allowance overpayments review must be first step towards comprehensive reform

The Government has today published details of its review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments.

Responding, Carers Trust’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dominic Carter, said:

“We welcome the start of this review into Carer’s Allowance overpayment demands and the Government’s stated intention to put things right. Too many carers have been hit with huge repayment demands simply for making a genuine mistake while trying to navigate this complex and outdated system. We estimate 10,000 carers could fall foul of the rules during the time it takes to complete this review. That’s why it’s vital all overpayment fines are written off to prevent further lives being ruined.

“The review limits itself to overpayments but that doesn’t go near fixing the problems with Carer’s Allowance. This woefully inadequate benefit just doesn’t work for carers and is in dire need of an overhaul. This review and the changes to the earnings threshold announced in the Budget should only be a first step towards far more comprehensive reform.”