A recent change in circumstances means I need to increase the hours I spend caring for my Mum, which brings me within the scope of Carers Allowance.
I'm also about to be migrated from Child Tax Credits to Universal Credit (no other benefits). If it wasn't a managed migration I wouldn't have any entitlement to Universal Credit . As it is, I understand I'll have Transitional Protection.
I think Carers Allowance is treated differently between the two systems. Universal Credit is taken off pound for pound if you make a Carers Allowance claim. Tax Credits are also reduced, but not by as much.
Would it be better for me to claim Carers Allowance before Tax Credits stop? Tax Credits would be reduced so I'd have a lower amount of Transitional Protection when I move to Universal Credit. But would that mean they don't additionally adjust Universal Credits pound for pound because my payment is already under Transitional Protection?
Whereas if I wait until I move to UC, I presume the pound for pound deduction will apply straight away?
Any advice much appreciated, thanks. I may post this on Mumsnet too, just for maximum advice 🙂
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