Carers Allowance and ESA

Hi

I'm in receipt of ESA which was awarded to me on October 26th (finally after many "lost" sick notes on the part of the DWP) (Income related) and on November 2nd I also applied for Carers Allowance as I started caring for a close relative (who I live with).

I've still had no official decision from the Carers Allowance Unit, however about a week and a half ago I recieved a letter from ESA telling me that from December 7th I will only recieve £45.15 per week due to "other money I have coming in".

I telephoned them and was told "oh yes because you made a claim for Carers Allowance".

Does this mean that my Carers Allowance will kick-in after December 7th or are DWP just taking it for granted that my claim will be successful so they could cut my ESA?

Still not heard anything from Carers and am I right in thinking wont be getting any sort of back-payment from them as I was already in receipt of ESA when I applied for Carers Allowance, right?

However, if CA is not awarded to me I simply cannot live on £45.15 per week it's impossible - anybody had the same situation?? Help please. Thank you