Carer's Allowance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department provides on whether a payroll benefit in kind, including employer-provided private medical insurance, is treated as earnings for the purposes of Carer’s Allowance.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
A payment in kind is a payment made by something other than money, such as goods, vouchers or free accommodation.
An employer may also pay contributions to a private health scheme on behalf of its employees. For Carer’s Allowance purposes, such payments are treated as earnings where they arise as a result of the person’s gainful employment, in line with the relevant Social Security regulations and guidance. In calculating a person’s earnings, the value of these payments is taken into account alongside earnings from other sources.
Customers receiving Carer’s Allowance are responsible for reporting their earnings to the department, including any deductions from their gross earnings.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →