PHD Stipends and Carers Allowance

Hi, this is a bit niche, so I'm not expecting 100s of replies! I'm a carer in receipt of Carers Allowance and looking to apply for studentships to start a part-time PHD.

In order to receive Carers Allowance I can't earn over £130 a week after tax, and a living expenses stipend would take me just over this limit. I know a stipend is not classed as earnings from employment so is not taxable, but I am getting conflicting answers on Google as to whether it is counted as earnings when the DWP assess your income for Carers Allowance.

If there are any other PHD students who are also carers out there I'd love to get a clear answer, as whether I get Carers Allowance will affect my ability to get by for the six years.

I'm in a similar boat and have come here for the same information. Did you find out anymore information?

If the above two posters are still on the forum, could you let me know the outcome of your situation.

I'm in the process of trying to have this scenario recognised by the many advice agencies, so any feedback would be very welcome.