Grants & Financial Support

Caring for someone can affect your income, your work, and your financial security. Many carers don’t realise that financial support may be available or feel unsure about what they’re entitled to. We’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through what support might be available to you.

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit to support people who care for someone else. 

To qualify for Carers Allowance you must: 

• Be spending at least 35 hours a week caring for someone (whether you live with them or not). 

• Not be earning more than £196.00 a week. 

• Be aged 16 or over 

• Not be in full –time education 

• The person you care for receives one of the following benefits: 

             Personal Independence Payment – daily living component at either rate 

              Disability Living Allowance – care component at either the middle or higher care rate 

              Attendance Allowance 

              Constant Attendance Allowance or another relevant benefit  

              Armed Forces Independence Payment 

Carer’s Allowance is currently £83.30 per week. You do not need to be related to the person you care for, and you don’t have to live with them. However, you won’t receive extra Carer’s Allowance if you care for more than one person, and if someone else also provides care for the same person, only one of you can claim. 

We can help you understand whether you’re likely to be eligible and what to consider before applying, especially if you’re working or receiving other benefits. In addition, we will be able to tell you whether any claim you make will affect the benefits of the person you care for. For example, if the person you care for receives a severe disability premium or addition with one of their benefits, that extra money stops if you receive Carers Allowance. 

If you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you may be able to claim Carer’s Credit. 

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit, not a payment. These credits help fill any gaps in your National Insurance record while you’re caring. This matters because your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record. 

In simple terms, Carer’s Credit helps make sure that taking on a caring role doesn’t affect your ability to qualify for the State Pension later on. We can help you check whether you’re eligible and talk you through how to apply. 

Many carers may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction, depending on their circumstances and where they live. This can reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay, helping to ease financial pressure. 

We can help you understand what support might be available locally and how to apply. 

As a carer, you may be able to access grants, discounts, or concessions to help with the cost of caring or everyday living. These might include help with household costs, essential items, travel, or wellbeing support. 

Availability can vary, but we can help you explore what might be suitable for you and where to find reliable support. 

Some carers may be entitled to a Carer’s Personal Budget following a Carer’s Assessment. This is funding that can be used flexibly to support you in your caring role, for example by paying for a break, equipment, or services that make caring easier. 

We can help you understand how a Carer’s Personal Budget works and whether it could be an option for you. 

Benefits and financial support can feel complicated, and everyone’s situation is different. We can help you understand what you may be entitled to, talk through your options, and support you to take the next steps. 

If you’d like help with benefits or financial support, you’re very welcome to drop in and speak to us, no appointment needed. Alternatively, you can contact us confidentially via email or phone and we will be able to help you find the right support.