Woman Threatened Over Carer's Allowance
- A woman was threatened by DWP over a carer's allowance mistake.
- The woman was questioned under caution and agreed to pay a penalty for the error.
- The mistake could have been detected earlier to avoid the situation.
Clemency Jacques, a 43-year-old carer for her disabled son and elderly mother, recalls the harrowing experience of being interviewed under caution by benefits officials. She was warned of potential police arrest and prosecution after failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about her return to work following maternity leave. This oversight led to an overpayment of £2,600 in carer’s allowance, highlighting the complexities and harsh penalties associated with the DWP’s carer’s allowance system. Jacques is among many unpaid carers who inadvertently breach the DWP’s stringent earnings rules, which can result in severe financial repercussions. For instance, a carer earning just £1 over the threshold could face a repayment of over £4,200. The DWP's policy of threatening prosecution for such breaches, while offering hefty fines as an alternative, has drawn criticism. Jacques expressed her frustration at being labeled as guilty of fraud despite her unintentional error, stating that the fear of a criminal record loomed over her. Despite notifying the DWP’s universal credit section of her employment change, Jacques found that the two departments did not communicate effectively, exacerbating her situation. She believes that had the DWP acted promptly with the information it already possessed, the distressing ordeal could have been avoided. Following a complaint from her former MP, the government has agreed to reassess Jacques’s case, but she remains disillusioned with the system, wishing she had never applied for carer’s allowance.