Benefits for Carers

SUPPORT

All carers are now entitled to a Carers Assessment by the Social Service Department. This is designed to identify and meet the needs of carers in ways which supports them and allows them to continue giving care, but at the same time which allows them to follow their own life interests. Ask at the Social Services Department for more details – this is a right for all carers.

There are a variety of national and local organisations which can help carers. These may be specific to the medical diagnosis of the person cared for such as the National Society for Epilepsy etc.

The Carers Federation has details of many local and national schemes and support groups. Check their website at www.carersfederation.co.uk or find their local office in the telephone directory.   back to top

FINANCIAL HELP.

Work

Carers can continue to work and receive the following benefits, but there are limits on how much they earn. If they earn more than those limits, there may be an impact on the carers benefits.   back to top

Carers Allowance;

This is the main financial benefit for carers. However, great care must be taken when claiming it as it may have a bad effect on the income of the person receiving care.

We have provided general advice here, but discuss the particular circumstances with a benefits expert before making a claim.

You can find your nearest help in our Local Services pages.

So, who can claim?

For the carer to qualify, the person receiving care must be in receipt of the middle or high rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, or receiving Attendance Allowance.

The care given must total 35 hours per week or more. Many small periods can add up to 35 hours.

The care can be actively helping people, or simply being on hand ready to help if needed.

Also, it is possible to take breaks from caring and still get the benefit.

The carer can be:

• Disabled themselves (even if they also have carers!).
• A pensioner.
• In work ( but the earnings may have an impact).
  

How is it paid?

It can be paid as a direct benefit payment. However, this benefit often overlaps with others. If this is the case, Carers Allowance itself may not be actually paid, but it could increase entitlement to other benefits.

What else does Carers Allowance do?

It brings National Insurance contributions for the carer which can protect entitlement to other benefits and pensions later in life.

It can mean that the carer can place restrictions on their availability for work if claiming Jobseekers Allowance.   back to top

Other financial help for carers

Income support or Pension Credit may be claimed or increased because a carer is giving ‘regular and substantial’ care to somebody who gets the middle or high rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, or is receiving Attendance Allowance, even if that care does not amount to 35 hours per week.

Without a claim for carers allowance, national insurance contributions may still be gained by claiming Home Responsibilities Protection. You need to apply to the Inland Revenue to get this.   back to top

What to do now?

Find your nearest benefits expert in our Local Services pages, and discuss your particular circumstances with them first.   back to top