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Carer's Allowance: Overpayments

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 10 March 2025UIN 34266

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many carers have received an earnings-related Carer’s Allowance overpayment since (a) 16 October and (b) 9 December 2024.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

We do not have the in-year estimates for the time frame suggested however last year’s statistics are a guide to the overall overpayment levels.

Levels of Carer’s Allowance overpayments for the year 23/24 can be found here:

Fraud and error in the benefit system, Financial Year Ending (FYE) 2024 - GOV.UK

For ease, here are the latest statistics:


Expenditure (£m)

Total Rate (%)

Total Value (£m)

Fraud Rate (%)

Fraud Value (£m)

Claimant Error Rate (%)

Claimant Error Value (£m)

Official Error Rate (%)

Official Error Value (£m)

3,700

5.2

190

3.0

110

2.0

80

0.1

10

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