If you care for someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you may be entitled to financial support. Below is a list of some of the main sources of funding and benefits for carers, along with links to find out more or apply.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit available to carers. If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to receive £81.90. You may be able to claim this allowance if:
- You look after someone for at least 35 hours a week.
- You don’t earn more than £151 per week (after deductions).
- The person you care for receives a disability benefit.
- You are 16 or older.
- You’re not in full-time education.
- You are a resident of the UK.
For more information, or to apply, visit the Government website.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit helps carers to maintain their National Insurance record. If you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, but don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you can apply for this benefit to ensure that your state pension isn’t affected.
Your income, savings or investments will not affect your eligibility for Carer’s Credit. Find out more on the Government website.
Pension Credit
If you have reached state pension age, you may be able to claim Pension Credit to top up your income. If you have a low income, Pension Credit can top up your income to a guaranteed minimum amount set by the Government. This is currently set at £218.15 a week for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.
If you are entitled to Carer’s Allowance, you can get a Carer Addition of £45.60 a week added to your minimum amount.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit that provides support for people on a low income or not currently in work.
When applying for Universal Credit, you should inform the Government if you are a carer, as they may be able to add on a carer element, which could mean you receive an additional £198.31 per month. You can get this element if you have regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person.
Learn more through the Government website.
Grants for carers
Some charities and organisations offer grants to support carers with expenses such as household items, respite care, and educational opportunities. Turn2us provides a database of available grants.
Direct payments
If the person you care for has been assessed for care services support by Sefton Council, they may be offered a direct payment instead of receiving support arranged by us.
They may then choose to use some of this money to give you a one-off payment to look after your own wellbeing. For example, this money could be used to pay for a short break away from your caring responsibilities. This payment would not effect any other benefits you receive.