Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 141: Day 2: The Carer's Allowance Scandal
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May 15, 2025 
Join Patrick Butler, Social policy editor at The Guardian, and Josh Halliday, North of England editor, as they expose the harrowing realities faced by British caregivers navigating the flawed carer's allowance system. They delve into shocking stories of caregivers wrongfully taken to court for accidental overpayments while trying to report earnings. The duo discusses the emotional turmoil and financial instability impacting these selfless individuals, along with the urgent need for reform amid shocking statistics and ongoing systemic challenges.
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Carer's Allowance Cliff Edge
- Carer's allowance is a small benefit for full-time carers providing 35 hours care weekly.
- The system punishes carers earning just a penny over the limit with full repayment, causing severe financial stress.
Random DWP Overpayment Checks
- The DWP only checks about half of HMRC alerts about carers' earnings, causing random and unfair overpayment demands.
- Carers can be unaware for years and suddenly face huge repayment demands, creating a 'Russian roulette' situation.
Carer's Allowance as a Salary Top-up
- Carer's allowance is a top-up payment, not a salary replacement, roughly £83/week for 35 hours care.
- Carers can work part-time up to the £151/week earnings limit but risk losing allowance if exceeded.