Beyond Carer’s Allowance
Caring for someone can impact on your household finances so we have put together a guide for what support is available.
The main benefit for carers is Carer’s Allowance which is £86.45 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
But it isn’t the only help available.
Other benefits and entitlements
Depending on your income, savings, age, housing situation and the needs of the person you care for, you may be entitled to other support.
This might include Universal Credit, Pension Credit or help with housing costs. The person you care for may also be entitled to disability-related benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance for children or Attendance Allowance.
It’s important to check how different benefits interact. Claiming one benefit can sometimes affect another person’s entitlement, so getting a full benefits check can be particularly useful.
Help with health costs
Many carers may be entitled to help with NHS health costs but don’t realise they qualify. You can check your entitlement in just a few minutes using the NHS online checker: Check your entitlement – Help with health costs.
It’s also worth registering as a carer with your GP so they can provide useful support, advice and information. For example, they can refer you to local support networks in your area or help you understand what you’re entitled to as a carer – such as a free flu jab.
Support with essential household costs
It can also be worth checking whether you’re eligible for schemes that help with energy costs or improvements that could make your home cheaper to heat.
Council Tax help
Some carers and the people they care for may be entitled to a Council Tax discount. However, the person you care for can’t be your husband, wife, civil partner or child under 18. It’s worth checking with your local council.
One of the biggest challenges with financial support is knowing what’s available in the first place.
Eligibility can depend on a combination of factors, and the rules aren’t always straightforward. Even if you’ve checked before, it can be worth checking again when your circumstances change.
At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre we offer free advice on accessing and applying for benefits. We can support you to understand the benefits that you and the person you care for might be entitled to and we can also help you to access and complete the forms that can be so daunting for the layperson.
To find out more call 0191 2496480 or email: enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk