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Carer's Allowance: Northern Ireland

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 23 December 2025UIN 99736

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the number of unpaid carers in Northern Ireland affected by Carer's Allowance overpayments in relation to a) earnings and b) fluctuating earnings from 2015 to 2025.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

The Independent Review into overpayments of Carer’s Allowance linked to earnings covered England and Wales. In view of the principle of parity with DWP in matters of social security, I informed the Minister for Communities of the Review’s findings and the Government’s response to them, and officials from the two Departments are in discussion on the issues raised. Since social security is transferred in Northern Ireland, questions 99735 and 99736 are matters for the Executive.

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