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WQ.488/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 4th DECEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 11th DECEMBER 2023
Question
“Further to her answer to Question Without Notice on 28th November, regarding extending Home Carer’s Allowance to families with more than one child with a level 1 or 2 impairment will the Minister –
- clarify the process that families in this situation should follow to gain access to the Home Carer’s Allowance;
- stateifitisthe intention of the Department to contact families in this situation and inform them ofthis policy; and
- provide a timeline for the legislative changes required to extend the Home Carer’s Allowance?”
Answer
At present, families of children with significant care needs are able to claim a Child Personal Care benefit if the child has care needs meeting level 2 or level 3 of the personal care component as set out in Income Support legislation. A Home Carers Allowance may also be available to a parent if the child has the highest needs (level 3). These benefits are not means tested.
I can confirm that my policy intent is to extend access to Home Carers Allowance to a parent who has caring responsibilities for two children who both have level 2 needs. At present a family in this situation would receive Child Personal Care at level 2 for each child but would not receive a Home Carers Allowance. At present Home Carers Allowance is only paid when the child is assessed at level 3.
In my answer to the question posed without notice on 28 November, I referred by mistake to level 1 and level 2 care needs. I apologise for this oversight - Child Personal Care benefits are available at 2 levels, but these levels are identified as levels 2 and 3, rather than levels 1 and 2.
- Until such time as legislation is in place the department will ensure that any family receiving child personal care at level 2 for more than one child will be identified and will be offered non-statutory support from January, equivalent tothefinancial value of Home Carers Allowance.
- Yes.
- Subject tothe outcome of the Government Plan debate this week and the finalisation of my delivery plan for 2024, I have asked officers to prioritise this work for completion as early as possible in the New Year.