Benefit extended to over-65s

Carers are to receive more help as a result of
measures passed by parliament, including the extension of the
invalid care allowance to people aged 65 and over.

Removing the upper age limit for
the allowance means carers over 65 years old will be able to claim
the benefit for the first time.

The
Regulatory Reform (Carer’s Allowance) Order 2002 will also increase
invalid care allowance entitlement for up to eight weeks after the
disabled person dies and will change the name of the benefit to
carer’s allowance.

The
changes will be implemented in October 2002 and April
2003.