Introduced in October last year, the new Carer’s Allowance Online Service allows carers to make an electronic claim for Carer’s Allowance using the internet. As well as making new claims, claimants in receipt of Carer’s Allowance can also now use the service to notify DWP of a change of circumstances. The service can be accessed at the following link:-
https://www.gov.uk/apply-carers-allowance
The benefits of the new service
Carers have been able to make claims online for some time. However, this new service is quicker and easier to use. The DWP have worked with organisations that support carers in the development and testing of the new service. Dave Williams, CEO of Manchester Carers Forum, has spoken highly of the service, stating that the system is quick, easy to use and clear.
So far, over 15,000 carers have made a claim using the new service with very few problems reported. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and once a claim has been completed and sent online, it is received immediately by the Carer’s Allowance Unit helping ensure that a decision is made as quickly as possible.
The improved features include the following:-
- More guidance – Eligibility questions are now asked at the start of the service to help carers understand whether or not they may be entitled before they make a claim.
- Help screens and a Helpdesk service are available to help carers complete the claim form
- Fewer questions – the new service now has less questions to make it easier to make a claim
- Easily accessible – the Online Service can now also be accessed from smart phones and tablets as well as computers and laptops.
Please give us your views
The DWP would welcome views from any carers who have used the service. Please lick the feedback button which is available once your form has been submitted.
