Revealed: DWP still allowing unpaid carers to run up debts despite being told about overpayments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to overpay carer's allowance to individuals despite being informed of changes in their circumstances, potentially leading to significant debts. Chris Farrell, a 65-year-old former unpaid carer, received £86.45 per week for six months after his husband's death, despite repeatedly requesting the payments cease. This situation could result in him owing over £1,300. Other cases highlighted include a carer who accumulated more than £2,000 in unwanted allowance over 10 months after their mother moved into a care home, having contacted the DWP five times without success. Another individual was overpaid more than £2,650 after reporting over a year ago that they had taken on new employment and were no longer eligible for the benefit. A man also faced difficulties stopping carer's allowance payments for several months after being made redundant and finding new employment, despite informing officials multiple times that he no longer required the benefit.