AN attempt to instigate a review of the number of people who would be eligible to receive both home carer’s allowance and a pension and whether the Social Security Reserve Fund could be used “sustainably” to cover the cost of allowing both to be claimed simultaneously has been defeated.
Deputy Max Andrews argued that if the Social Security Reserve Fund was “assessed as sustainable”, then the funding to allow both a home carer’s allowance and pension to be claimed at the same time should be included in the 2028-31 Budget proposals.
As part of his proposition, Deputy Andrews’ proposition sough to acertain the number of old age pensioners caring for someone with high-level care needs who would be entitled to receive Home Carer’s Allowance and the state pension, should HCA be exempt from the Social Security Overlapping Benefits Order.
He also wanted to assess, with the Treasury Minister, whether the Social Security Reserve Fund could be utilised sustainably to supplement the Social Security Fund in paying both the state pension and Home Carer’s Allowance.
Last year, the JEP launched its #TimeToCare campaign after Islander Mark Jones spoke out against rules which prevent residents from receiving the two benefits simultaneously. Mr Jones has been caring full time for his son, Ryan, who has Down’s syndrome, and his daughter, Megan, who has severe autism, since his wife died 14 years ago.
However after a short debate the proposition was defeated by 31 votes to eight.
