Benefits
Benefits are available to carers or to those needing care.
Carer’s Allowance
You may be eligible to receive a Carer’s Allowance of £62.70 a week (2017-18) if:
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who themselves receives a benefit
- Are 16 or over
- Do not study for 21 hours per week or more
- Earn no more than £116 per week (after deductions).
See also Carer's UK and Money Helper for more information.
Carer's Credit
If you are ineligible for a Carer’s Allowance, you may receive a Carer’s Credit (a National Insurance credit towards your pension) if also:
- You are over 16
- You are not in receipt of your state pension
- You spend at least 20 hours a week caring for someone
Carer Premium
Additionally you may receive a Carer Premium if you already receive a Carer’s Allowance (or are entitled to one), and:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Check correspondence you have received about benefits you already receive and contact the office dealing with your benefits and tell them you are in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance and want to know if you are entitled to a Carer Premium.
See also Marie Curie and Carers Trust for more information.
Attendance Allowance
Benefits Available to Those Needing Care
You may be eligible for an Attendance Allowance if:
- You are over 65
- You need personal care because of illness or accident
- You have needed care for at least six months.
See also Carer's UK and Money Helper for more information.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
People who lack mobility or have difficulty with everyday tasks can claim a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is tax free and is unaffected by your income or savings. PIP has two parts, firstly those who lack mobility receive an allowance to help moving around, and, secondly, those needing personal care receive a daily living component.
See also
Money Helper for more information.