A shocking case has come to light where a UK carer is being told to repay £10,000 in benefits after going just £1.92 over the allowed earnings limit. This incident has raised serious questions about how fair and flexible the Carer’s Allowance system really is.
The woman at the centre of this issue is Oksana Shahar, who looks after her son full-time. She also works two part-time jobs to support her family. But because she accidentally earned slightly over the limit allowed by Carer’s Allowance rules, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is demanding she pay back thousands of pounds.
A Tiny Mistake With Huge Consequences
The DWP recently sent Oksana a letter, claiming she had been overpaid Carer’s Allowance and now owes the government £10,000. The reason? She earned just £1.92 more than allowed while trying to manage both her caring duties and part-time jobs.
Her partner Guy, aged 53 and the founder of the charity Transforming Autism, was left stunned. He described the letter as “surreal and outrageous” and said the whole situation felt completely unreal and unfair.
“This will devastate us financially,” said Guy. “How can something like this happen in a system that’s supposed to support carers? This feels unethical.”
Six Years Later – No Warnings, Just a Debt
What makes the situation worse is that the DWP never contacted them earlier. For over six years, the overpayment kept building up without a single warning. Then suddenly, they were told to pay it all back.
“It’s like a trap,” Oksana said. “The system feels like it’s set up to catch us out instead of helping us. It causes anxiety, long-term debt, and leaves carers worse off when we’re just trying to help our loved ones.”
Calls for Reform from Carers UK
Helen Walker, the head of Carers UK, expressed deep concern about Oksana’s situation. She said this is another example of how the Carer’s Allowance system is too strict and unforgiving.
“We need a better system,” she said, calling the current setup a ‘cliff-edge’ where even a tiny mistake can lead to huge consequences. “Families who are already under pressure shouldn’t be punished like this.”
What the Government Is Doing
In response to public outcry, the DWP said it has paused the recovery of Oksana’s debt while she appeals. A spokesperson confirmed the government has now launched an independent review of Carer’s Allowance. This review will look at why so many carers are being hit with overpayment demands, and how the system can be improved.
The review is expected to be completed by summer, and the government has promised to consider its recommendations carefully.
Oksana’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile the support system can be for carers in the UK. Many are doing their best to balance jobs, caring duties, and financial survival—yet a small error can lead to massive debt. With the government now reviewing the Carer’s Allowance system, families across the country are hoping for real changes that make things fairer, clearer, and more supportive for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
FAQs
Why is Oksana Shahar being asked to repay £10,000?
She went £1.92 over the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit, triggering an overpayment demand from the DWP covering several years.
Did the DWP warn her before asking for repayment?
No. The DWP did not notify her during the six-year period. She was only contacted once the overpayment had built up.
What is the government doing about this?
The DWP has paused recovery while her appeal is reviewed. An independent review of Carer’s Allowance is also underway.
Can you earn money while receiving Carer’s Allowance?
Yes, but there is a strict earnings limit. Going even slightly over can lead to overpayment issues.
When will the review of Carer’s Allowance be completed?
The government says the review will report its findings by summer 2025.
