More than 134,000 people who care for loved ones are being forced to repay often huge overpayments. The debts are often incurred through no fault of the carers, and leave them saddled with enormous debts, and some with criminal convictions.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) promised five years ago to fix problems that mean carers are not immediately alerted when they earn more than the £151-a-week limit. However, ministers have failed to fix the issue, leaving thousands of carers who save the UK £160bn a year and help prop up NHS and social care services in financial hardship.
Ministers were made aware of the negative financial and emotional impact through a DWP-commissioned study completed in 2021 that was finally released on Thursday after pressure from MPs and campaigners.
The Guardian has revealed how more than 134,000 unpaid carers are now repaying huge penalties, in some cases as high as £20,000. There are currently 156,000 outstanding carer's allowance debts, suggesting some are paying back multiple overpayments.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin May 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin May 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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