Financial Support
It is common to worry about the financial implications of becoming a carer, especially if your caring role means you have to give up work.
Read on to find out about the financial support that may be available to you.
Blue Badge
You can apply for a badge if you care for someone who is disabled or has a health condition that affects their mobility and need to park closer to the place you want to visit.
A Blue Badge is issued by the Blue Badge scheme and will enable you to access free, discounted and accessible parking..
Carer’s Allowance
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with an illness or disability, you may be eligible for a benefit called Carer’s Allowance to help you look after the person you care for.
Read on to find out more about this benefit and eligibility.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment provides extra money if you have a long-term physical or mental illness or disability. It doesn’t matter what your condition is – what matters is how it affects you. If you have difficulty with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing, or with getting around outside, you may be eligible. It also doesn’t matter what your income or savings are as it is not means-tested.
Funding Care Costs
Local authorities oversee most elements of social care. If your friend or relative meets certain eligibility criteria then the council have an obligation to pay for some or all of their care. This includes if they need paid carers to help look after them in their own home, or if they need a more substantial level of care, such as in a care home.
Financial Checklist
Carers can often struggle to find the support that is needed, especially when it comes to finding help with extra money or what sorts of funding you’re entitled to.
With our financial checklist for carers we have simplified things. All of the options available are listed, along with eligibility criteria.
Attendance Allowance
If you care for someone who has a disability or a long-term illness and they have reached State Pension age, they may be entitled to a benefit called Attendance Allowance.
Read on to find out more about this benefit and eligibility.
Carer’s Credit
If you give up work to care for someone, you might be worried that not paying National Insurance (NI) will lower your State Pension.
But, if you’re eligible for Carer’s Credit, you can get credits to help fill gaps in your National Insurance record. This means you can take on caring responsibilities without affecting your ability to qualify for the State Pension.
Time for a Care Home?
Taking the decision that it’s time for someone else to care for your loved one can be difficult and you want to be sure that the home you choose is the right one for them. It is important that the person you are caring for agrees with this decision, unless they do not have the mental capacity to make this choice.