Benefits and Financial Support for Carers
Caring can affect your finances, but support may be available. This page explains the main benefits and financial help for Carers and the people they care for. If you’re unsure what you can claim, use a benefits calculator or seek advice before applying.
Benefits for Carers
Carer's Allowance
A benefit for people who provide at least 35 hours of care each week.
You may qualify if: you are aged 16 or over, provide regular care and the person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Important: Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits that you or the person you care for receive.
Find out more: Use the Mobilise Carer’s Allowance Checker or visit GOV.UK.
Carer's Credit
A National Insurance credit that helps protect your State Pension while you are caring for someone.
You may qualify if: you are aged 16 or over, under State Pension age and provide at least 20 hours of care each week.
Important: Your income, savings and investments do not affect your eligibility.
Find out more: Visit GOV.UK for full details and to apply.
Universal Credit
A benefit for people on a low income or out of work. Carers may be able to receive an extra payment called the Carer Element.
You may qualify if: you provide at least 35 hours of care each week and meet the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit.
Important: You do not need to receive Carer’s Allowance to receive the Carer Element.
Find out more: Use the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator or visit GOV.UK.
Benefits for the person you care for
Attendance Allowance
A benefit for people over State Pension age who need help because of a disability, illness or health condition.
You may qualify if: the person you care for needs support with daily living or supervision.
Important: Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility.
Find out more: Visit GOV.UK
Disability Living Allowance
A benefit to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or health condition.
You may qualify if: the child is under 16 and needs substantially more care or supervision than other children of the same age.
Important: DLA is only available for children under 16.
Find out more: Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and apply.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A benefit to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term disability, illness or health condition.
You may qualify if: the person you care for is aged 16 to State Pension age and needs help with daily living activities or mobility.
Important: PIP is not means-tested and can be claimed by people who are working.
Find out more: Visit GOV.UK to start a claim.
Other Financial Support
Council Tax Reduction
Help with Council Tax bills for people on a low income. Some Carers and people with disabilities or severe mental impairment may be eligible.
Find out more: Contact your local council.
Carers Trust Grants
Small grants that can help with things such as respite breaks, household items, training, home repairs and replacement care.
Find out more: Speak to Action for Family Carers or your local Carers Trust Network Partner.
Turn2Us
A free service offering a benefits calculator, grants search and information about financial support.
Find out more: Visit the Turn2Us website.
Disability Grants
A searchable directory of grants and funding opportunities for disabled people, their families and Carers.
Find out more: Visit the Disability Grants website.
Personal Budgets for Carers
Funding that may be available following a Carer’s Assessment to support your wellbeing and help you continue caring.
Find out more: Contact your local council and ask for a Carer’s Assessment.
If you’re in Essex, contact Essex County Council
Disabled Facilities Grant
Funding to help pay for home adaptations, such as ramps, stairlifts and accessible bathrooms.
Find out more: Contact your local council to discuss an assessment.
If you’re in Essex you can contact Essex County Council
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is funded by UK Government. It provides support for low-income families and individuals in financial hardship.
There are two types of payments that residents can apply for. These are:
- crisis payments for those facing urgent financial difficulty
- housing payments for those in temporary difficulty
Everyone that receives funding will also be offered guidance and support to help them build financial resilience.
Find out more: Help with the cost of living: Crisis and Resilience Fund | Essex County Council
Need help understanding your options? Contact our friendly support team for information and guidance.
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