Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing Cost of Living Payments to recipients of Carer's Allowance.

This Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers every day in providing significant care and continuity of support to family and friends, including pensioners and those with disabilities.

Depending on personal circumstances, carers may be eligible for means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. Means-tested benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the Carer Element and the additional amount for carers respectively.

Nearly 60% of carers on low incomes who are of working age and on Carer’s Allowance, also claim a means-tested benefit through which they may be entitled to receive a Cost of Living Payment.

In addition, a non-repayable £400 discount on energy bills is available for all domestic electricity customers in Great Britain and earlier this year, a £150 non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills benefited all households in Bands A-D in England.

For those who require additional support with the cost of household essentials, we have provided an extension to the Household Support Fund in England backed by £421m, running from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

To find out more about the Government’s cost of living support, visit: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK