Back | 
Print
Service users and carers
Benefits
You can claim carers allowance if you are aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a persong getting attendance, disability living or constant attendance allowance at certain rates. There are circumstances in which you cant claim carers allowance for example, if you are in full time education or earn more than a certain amount a week. Claiming carers allowance may affect other benefits you or the person you care for are receiving. If you are retired, entitlement to paymer of carers allowance will depend on the basic rate of your state pension so you will need to take advice.
For more informaiton, contact the Carers Allowance Unit or go the the carers section of www.direct.gov.uk or from your local authority social service
Listed below are the main benefits we deal with. For more detailed information please contact the Welfare Benefits team
Incapacity Benefit (IB)
This is a non-means tested benefit that is National Insurance contributions-based. Although claimants may not actually receive payments of Incapacity Benefit, if they are claiming benefits because they are incapable of work they must apply for Incapacity Benefit. Once on this benefit or Income Support they will be regularly tested via the Personal Capability Assessment and may have to go for a medical assessment.
Income Support (IS)
This is a means-tested benefit with a savings limit. If the claimant has a family or a severe disability they may be entitled to both Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. Some claimants can receive additional payments to assist in paying mortgage interest. If you're entitled to Carer's Allowance, you may be able to get an extra amount included in your Income Support called a 'Carers Premium'
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
This is a benefit that can be paid on top of other benefits. It is non-means tested and claimants can work and still receive it. The assessment is based on care needs resulting from the claimant’s illness. In terms of mental health this is often related to low motivation and anxieties. See Disability Living Allowance for more information on whether or not you should apply.
Housing Benefit (HB)
In order to get Housing Benefit the claimant must be legally liable for rent, so they would not be eligible if they are living with their parents. It is a means-tested benefit.
Council Tax Benefit (CTB)
This is applied for on the same form as Housing Benefit and is also means-tested. The Council Tax bill can be paid in full if income is sufficiently low or the property can be made exempt from any charge if the claimant is deemed ‘severely mentally impaired’, which must be verified by a doctor.
Community Care Grants (CCG)
Claimants receiving income support are entitled to apply for Community Care Grants for items such as essential furniture, bedding, clothing, kitchen equipment. Letters of support from care co-ordinators are essential.
Crisis Loans
Clients with urgent needs, experiencing hardship may be entitled to a Crisis Loan which can be completed at the benefit office and immediately assessed.
Direct Payments - Receive money instead of services
If you've been assessed by your local council as needing support in your caring role, you can choose direct payments. These payments allow you to buy and arrange help yourself instead of receiving it directly from social services. To find out more talk to the person responsible for direct payments at your local council.
How does caring affect your pension
Take advice on how your pension is affected.
You can get more information about financial support for carers including how it can affect pension on the carers' section of www.direct.gov.uk or from local authority social services department.
The Pricess Royal Trust for Carers and Carers UK publish a range of leaflets on money and benefits.
