Revealed: DWP still allowing unpaid carers to run up debts despite being told about overpayments
Summary
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK continued to pay carer’s allowance to some unpaid carers even after they informed the department that they were no longer eligible, causing overpayments and stress. One man, Chris Farrell, was paid six months of benefits after his husband died, and the DWP agreed to write off the overpayment after the issue was reported.Key Facts
- Chris Farrell claimed carer’s allowance for four years while caring for his late husband.
- The DWP kept paying him £86.45 a week for six months after his husband died.
- Farrell tried repeatedly to tell the DWP to stop payments but faced delays.
- The DWP has written off his overpayment, so he will not repay the money.
- Other unpaid carers reported similar problems with stopping benefit payments after reporting changes.
- Problems with the DWP system caused stress, confusion, and the risk of debts for carers.
- Carers are required to report changes like stopping care, starting work, or changes in income.
- Campaigners say the DWP needs to improve how it processes changes to avoid unnecessary payments and penalties.
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