AQW 16744/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/10/2024
Answered On Date: 11/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities why those studying full time in further and higher education are unable to apply for carers allowance.

Answer:

The primary purpose of Carer’s Allowance is to provide a measure of financial support for people who give up the opportunity of full-time employment in order to provide regular and substantial care, of at least 35 hours per week, to a severely disabled person who is in receipt of certain disability benefits.

It is a general principle that people in full-time education should be supported by the educational maintenance system of loans and grants, rather than the social security system.