Financial help

• Carer's Allowance
  Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for people looking after a family member or friend who is ill or disabled.
• Income Support/Pension Credit
  This benefit is for people who have no income or whose income is below minimum levels set by the government.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  ESA has replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support for those who are not well enough to work and making a claim on or after 27th October 2008.
• National Insurance Credits/Home Responsibilities Protection
  Covers National Insurance Credits and Home Responsibilities protection.
• Attendance Allowance
  This is a benefit for disabled people aged 65 or over, who find it difficult to care for themselves.
• Disability Living Allowance
  This benefit is for disabled people aged under 65 who find it difficult to care for themselves.
• Incapacity Benefit
  This is a benefit for people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.
• Jobseeker's Allowance
  This is paid to people who are unemployed or working part-time and are expected to look for a full-time work.
• Work Focused Benefit Interviews
  Changes to benefits mean that some carers are now being called to a work focused interview. We explain the facts.
• Working Tax Credit
  This is for people who are in work. Usually you must be over 25 and work for at least 30 hours a week.
• Child Tax Credit
  This is for people who look after a child under 16 (or under 19 in education).
• Help with health costs
  People on low income or because of their age or medical condition may be able to get help with certain health costs such as prescriptions.
• Social Fund
  The Fund helps people to pay for one-off expenses, including funeral, winter or cold weather expenses.
• Help with council tax
  Carers may be able to reduce their council tax bill and / or claim Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
  This benefit helps people on a low income pay their rent.

Page Last Modified: 01/06/2009

Secondary navigation

• New to caring
• Financial help
  • Carer's Allowance
  • Income Support/Pension Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • National Insurance /Home Responsibilities
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Work Focused Benefit Interviews
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Help with health costs
  • Social Fund
  • Help with council tax
  • Housing Benefit
• Help with caring
• Telecare supporting carers
• Help with health
• Taking care of yourself
• Work and caring
• When caring ends
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• Help with fuel costs
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