Carers benefit & redundancy

Hi, I am in full time employment. My child receives the DCA. My employer is currently offering voluntary redundancy. Can I accept VR and then apply for carers benefit? I have heard a number of different opinions (one from citizens info that didn't sound right). Thanks in advance for any help. Nora.

Yes you can, as long as you and the child being cared for meet all the criteria of the scheme, and as long as you start the caring role on the same date, or before, the redundancy occurs.

No medical assessment is needed for Carers Benefit if the person being cared for is already in receipt of DCA. They may ask you however what caring arrangements were in place while you were working if they have any doubt that the child is in need of full-time supervision as required by the scheme (this is obviously more than that which is required for DCA).

You can receive Carers Benefit for 2 years.

For full details of the scheme see here http://www.welfare.ie/EN/OperationalGuidelines/Pages/carers_ben.aspx

Also note that Carers Benefit is taxable income so this may have an affect on your tax liability.

Thanks for information and link.