Benefits

You may be entitled to specific benefits as a carer, who is looking after a relative or friend (adult or child), who is living with a disability, illness or the effects of old age.

Your CASS Outreach Worker or Carers Support Worker will be able to advise on appropriate benefits for you.

Community Care Grant (part of the Social Fund)

Overlapping benefits

If you get other benefits (e.g. State Retirement Pension, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, bereavement benefits or other earnings replacing benefits e.g. Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance) which amount to more that the Carers Allowance rate, you will not get Carers Allowance. However, if you meet the criteria for Carers Allowance, you may get an extra amount (Carers Premium) on your other benefits so make a claim.

Changes in circumstances

You need to report any changes in circumstances for yourself, the person you are caring for or a dependent adult (e.g. a holiday or a stay in hospital). A change can affect whether you can receive Carer’s Allowance or the amount you get.

More information

Direct Gov Carers Allowance

Carers Premium

This is not a benefit in itself but an extra amount of money which the carer, may be eligible for. If you are receiving Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit you may qualify.

Other benefits Carers may claim include:

Employment Support Allowance

If you have health problems as well as caring responsibilities

Job Seekers Allowance

If you are actively seeking work as well as caring.

More information:

To claim Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance contact:

Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688

For advice contact Carers line: 0808 8087777

Child tax credit

Child Tax Credit is a means-tested allowance for parents and carers of children or young people who are still in full-time education. You may get an extra amount if you are caring for a disabled child.

More information

Direct Gov Tax and Benefits

If more information on any of the above contact your local CASS Outreach Worker.