Money Matters: Your guide to getting the support you deserve
By Bernadette Noone, Benefits and Financial Well-being Advisor at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre
This month is Carers Rights Day (20 November) and we want every carer in North Tyneside to know support is available to help ease the financial pressure of caring.
Caring for someone can have a big impact on your income, work, and household budget. Carers can find themselves cutting back on essentials, dipping into savings, or struggling to make ends meet. But there are benefits, grants and discounts designed specifically to help carers and understanding what you’re entitled to can make a real difference.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
1. Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain disability benefits (like Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment), you might be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
This is currently £83.30 a week (2025 rate) and can help with everyday costs. You can claim even if you don’t live with the person you care for.
Top tip: Be mindful that Carer’s Allowance can affect the benefits of the person being cared for, also so it’s best to get advice before applying. Come and speak to our Carers Money Matters team who can check your eligibility and guide you through the process.
2. Carer’s Credit
Not everyone can claim Carer’s Allowance but if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could qualify for Carer’s Credit.
This is a National Insurance credit that helps protect your State Pension record so you don’t lose out on future income because of your caring role.
3. Help with household bills
There are several schemes that can help carers and the people they care for manage rising household costs:
- Warm Home Discount – £150 off your electricity bill if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Winter Fuel Payment – Up to £300 to help with heating costs.
- Cold Weather Payments – These are automatic payments when the temperature drops below freezing for seven consecutive days (for those receiving certain benefits).
Top tip: Even if you’ve never applied before, it’s worth checking again each winter as the criteria and schemes can change.
4. Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance
If the person you care for is over State Pension age, they might be entitled to Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance. These benefits can boost their income and if they qualify, it might also increase what you can claim as their carer.
Our advisors can help check eligibility and fill out forms, which can be confusing to navigate alone.
5. Support for your wellbeing
Financial worries can take a real toll on your mental health especially when you’re already juggling so much. Remember, you have a right to support for your wellbeing too.
Ask your GP to record you as a carer, as this can give you access to flexible appointments, flu jabs, and sometimes free annual health checks.
Did you know we have a Q&A session on Carers Rights Day (next Thursday) all about financial support and paying for care. Join us at the Oxford Centre from 1.15pm to 2.30pm. Book online here.
We are here to help.
Our Carers Money Matters team at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre can help you:
– Check what benefits you’re entitled to
– Apply for financial support
– Access grants or emergency funds
– Get advice on managing bills and debt
Contact us on the details below or visit our website.
0191 249 6480
enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk