The system is complicated, so it is important to seek advice on benefits. If your caring role ends, you should also seek advice about benefits you are claiming.
Carer's Allowance
You may be able to apply for Carer's Allowance if you are caring for someone who claims one of the following:
There are restrictions on who can claim, so you will need to seek advice. For example, you must be caring for someone for at least 35 hours per week.
Carer's Allowance cannot be paid at the same time as certain other benefits, such as State Retirement Pension, so ask for advice about overlapping benefits.
If you receive Carer's Allowance, you may also be able to get extra money, such as Income Support or Council Tax Benefit. If you already receive these benefits, you may become eligible for an increase. This is called the Carer's Premium.
How to claim
To claim Carer's Allowance, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200. You can also claim online at www.direct.gov.uk
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Attendance Allowance is for people aged 65 or over who find it difficult to care for themselves. It is not means tested.
Attendance Allowance is paid at one of two rates:
- The lower rate is for people who have difficulties either during the day or at night.
- The higher rate is for people who have difficulties both during the day and at night.
The person claiming must have had these difficulties for at least six months. If they have a terminal illness, the benefit can be paid immediately.
If the person you care for gets Attendance Allowance, it may mean you can apply for Carer's Allowance.
How to claim
To apply for Attendance Allowance, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 (in Northern Ireland call 0800 220674). You can also claim online at www.direct.gov.uk. You need to request form DS1500 from the cared-for person's GP.
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Disability Living Allowance is for people under 65 who, because of an illness or disability, find it difficult to look after themselves. It is not means tested.
There are two parts to this benefit: a care component and a mobility component. Each part is paid at different levels, depending on the disability.
The person claiming must have had the problems for at least three months. They should also be likely to have the problems for the next six months. If they have a terminal illness, they can claim immediately.
If someone gets Disability Living Allowance, they may be able to get more Income Support (or Pension Credit, if over 60), Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit (called Rate Rebate in Northern Ireland).
If the person you are caring for is getting the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance.
How to claim
To apply for Disability Living Allowance, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 (in Northern Ireland call 0800 220674). You can also claim online at www.direct.gov.uk
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This was introduced in October 2008. It replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support is paid to people unable to work because of ill health or disability. If you are already claiming one of these benefits, you will continue to get it for the time being.
Employment and Support Allowance is for people whose ability to work is limited by ill health or disability. You must be aged 16 or over and under state retirement age to make a claim.
How to claim
To apply for Employment and Support Allowance, call 0800 055 6688, or textphone 0800 023 4888.
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Income Support or Pension Credit
Income Support and Pension Credit (for those over 60 years old) are for people whose income is below a minimum level set by the Government. The minimum varies, depending on your circumstances. You can get extra money if you are disabled or a carer.
If you receive Income Support or Pension Credit, you will normally get the maximum help possible with paying your council tax and paying rent. You will also be entitled to free health benefits, such as prescriptions and eye tests, and be able to apply for grants or loans from the Social Fund.
How to claim
To apply for Income Support, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.
For further information about Pension Credit, and to apply, contact The Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.
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Some people get help with health costs because of their age or their medical condition, or because their income is below a certain amount.
The person you care for may be able to get help with:
- prescription charges
- dental charges
- eye tests and the costs of glasses
- help with fares to visit hospital
- costs towards NHS wigs and fabric supports.
How to claim
Ask for form HC1 and the leaflet HC11 'Help with Health Costs' from your local Jobcentre Plus office or NHS hospital, or by contacting the Health Cost advice line on 0845 850 1166.
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Council Tax Benefit can help you to pay council tax bills. Income and savings affect how much you get.
If your home is adapted for a disabled person or a carer lives with you, you may be able to get your Council Tax bill reduced. If you receive Carer's Allowance, you may be able to get extra Council Tax Benefit through the Carer's Premium.
How to claim
To apply for Council Tax Benefit, contact your local council.
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The Social Fund helps people to pay for basic expenses through grants and interest-free loans. These expenses may include:
- winter fuel payments, paid to people over 60 to meet extra heating costs
- cold weather payments during cold weather spells
- budgeting loans to help buy things like furniture, appliances and clothes
- crisis loans, if you need money urgently
- community care grants, which allow someone to stay in the community (rather than residential care), to set up home after being made homeless or to visit someone who is ill or in prison
- maternity grant
- funeral payments.
How to claim
You can normally apply for any of the above if you receive other benefits, such as Income Support or Pension Credit.
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Incapacity Benefit is for people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It is not means tested, but it is based on your National Insurance contribution record.
From the 31 January 2011 no new Incapacity Benefit claims have been accepted. You may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance instead.
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