UK Autism Foundation Backs Call For Increase In Carer's Allowance

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Autism
Article Date: 27 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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The UK Autism Foundation has backed the call for a substantial increase in the carer's allowance.

There are six million carers in the United Kingdom who look after family members or friends at home and often struggle to pay for their basic needs. Carers are finding it difficult to apply for the allowance because of the restrictions -you have to be caring for more than 35 hours a week. You cannot study for 21 hours or more. If you are receiving a state pension, the two benefits cancel each other out.As a result of the restrictions fewer than 500,000 people get the carer's allowance. The UK Autism Foundation has joined many UK charities, calling on Her Majesty's Government to increase the allowance and to place less restrictions - in order for carers to receive financial support.

Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation said: 'There are families with autism who are plunging into poverty as a result of the current economic crisis. The welfare system needs reform but parents and carers of children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome need urgent help not in ten years time but in 2009. We are calling for urgent help for parents and carers where autism is concerned - the UK Autism Foundation has been campaigning for substantial increases in tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance.'

Over 200 MPs of all parties in the House of Commons have signed three early day motions backing the call of the UK Autism Foundation for more support for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome including increasing the carer's allowance.

There are over 500,000 people with autism in the UK. Many parents care for children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.Many are struggling to pay bills as a result of the economic downturn. Some are in fuel poverty. The UK Autism Foundation has been lobbying Her Majesty's Government to help parents and carers during these difficult times.

Source
UK Autism Foundation