Carer payment

Firstly don't feel guilty, you are dealing with not only your emotions with what your Mum is going through but you are also trying to do the best by Mum (yes I've been there).

Try calling the Macmillan Money advisor number 0808 808 00 00 (8am-6pm). got from this website.
I've called them when I was caring for my Mum & they are really helpful. Plus for me in more recent years.
Good luck

Thank you ,

I will give them a call . I hope you are ok .

Hi there is a carers allowance but it is based on amount you earn. As you work full time your income will be too high.

 The earnings limit for Carer's Allowance is £204 per week for the 2026/27 tax year.

Hello Mommabear 

As you will be looking after and caring for mum - there is another group you can join on the Community and here's the link you need:

Carers only forum 

I hope this helps - if you need any additional help in navigating the Community, please do get back to me.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi lovely, 

Encourage your Mum to apply for PIP. It's not means tested and while the paperwork work is complex the people at the other end when they get to you are helpful. Husband just received an unexpected backdated payment. Finally convinced him to go to opticians. 

Depending on the prognosis they may fast track the application. 

Apply for Blue Badge for parking. Councils are different but this can help with car parks and appointments too. 

Other stuff we're still trying to work out. 

Good luck Mommabear

Hi Sierraoscar 

Just to note that PIP is age dependent and can’t be applied for if a person is of state pension age or beyond this.

The original poster hasn’t mentioned their mum’s age, but the  appropriate benefit post pension age is Attendance Allowance. For this, the person needs help/care with a medical condition/disability and must have needed this for 6 months to be able to apply. However,  like PIP this can be fast tracked in special circumstances.

Carers allowance was mentioned, and with that you need to be caring for a person who is in receipt of a benefit like PIP or Attendance Allowance for 35 or more hours a week, and as stated you can only have maximum work earnings after deductions of £204 per week.

Hopefully the original poster has called the advisors at Macmillan as they are best placed to give advice about benefits.

Sarah xx

Absolutely. It's why I mentioned PIP. My husband is terminal. I need to work so carers is not an option. If my husband makes it to retirement age then his daughter and our grandson will be greatful

Hi I applied for PIP in June and been turned down, I had open heart surgery July last year and lobectomy in January and still having ongoing problems but told I’m too fit, even though I can’t work. Not entitled to anything we have struggled on little funds and credit card for over a year.

god help us when we get into the winter months.

Hello HayleyS69 

I am so sorry to read of your financial situation - have you considered asking for help here?

 What would you ask a Macmillan Money Adviser? 

I hope they can help you.

Best wishes - Brian.

My wife has limited mobility and we have been through this on the mobility side. Immediately apply for a tribunal. Last time I saw figures, 66% of appeals were passed by the tribunal.  It takes a lot of paperwork and a lot of time with no guarantee. If you win the PIP will be backdated to your original request.

In our case we also got additional allowances we had not previously claimed, but after the hassle we were put through we felt the original review was a total blackwash.

Our tribunal was a judge, a docter and a disabled representative. The oposition was a lady from the assossors whose only questions were where did you park and how did you get from there to here.  My wife was in a wheelchair and I pushed!

Please dont rely on my bitter experience but do consult the Macmillan money specialists and ask how many people pass the tribunal.