Your pensions contributions are classed as an expense. The amount you get isn’t affected by your other income or savings. There are two rates for each payment. If someone spends a lot of time looking after you and has a low income, they may be able to claim carer’s benefits, including Carer’s Allowance and the carer’s element of Universal Credit. 24 George Street Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed. Claiming everything you’re entitled to now may help your income and savings last longer. cookies policy. Can I get Council Tax discounts as a carer? So can you claim Carer's Allowance on behalf of others? If you’re younger than this and your income and savings are low, you may instead qualify for other benefits. You can also visit the Carers UK website for detailed information on Carer’s Allowance and disability benefits. What will happen to your benefits depends on the type of benefit you get and whether you are going into or out of a care home. If your circumstances have changed e.g. If you are working age, rent your home and your income and savings are low, you may qualify help with housing costs through Universal Credit to help you pay your rent. Carer’s Allowance is paid to people who spend at least 35 a week looking after someone else and they claim certain benefits. These benefits aim to help people in your situation live safely, comfortably and as independently as possible. If you live in Northern Ireland and your income and savings are low, you might get a reduction in your rates through Rate Relief Scheme. Can I claim Welfare Benefits if I’m living with a mental illness? The simple answer is no. your disability means you need help caring for yourself or supervision to ensure the safety of yourself or others. 1. Carers UK has more information for carers of state pension age. You may get extra help if you have a disability or you’re a carer. Getting it means you could qualify for extra financial support, such as Housing Benefit and other means-tested benefits. You can get £67.25 a week. If you’re caring for someone who is ill or disabled, it can affect your financial situation too. Get financial advice on how to fund your long-term care. If you have a disability, you might qualify for more than one of these Council Tax discounts and reductions: If you move permanently into a care home and your previous home is no longer occupied, you’re exempt from Council Tax. Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). If you have care needs or a disability – or you’re caring for someone who does - there are benefits to help you manage with the extra costs. How do I pay for private treatment and therapy? Email: info@carersinfo.org.uk, Part of The John Whitgift Foundation Even if you feel you can manage without them, if you’re eligible, you have a right to claim them. These might include a housing cost element of Universal Credit, housing costs support and Council Tax reductions. For more information on how to claim, see the Citizens Advice website. What are my options for dealing with debt? Pension Credit may include an extra amount if you have a disability. Carers UK has more information for carers of state pension age. Carer’s Allowance (CA) is a benefit that you can claim if you are a full-time carer. Using the SMI loan scheme means the government pays your mortgage interest for now. CA is not affected by any savings you have. This tool will help you work out how to save to pay off debts or buy the things you want. CA can be backdated for up to 3 months as long as you met the criteria during that time. This information applies to people living in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland. Live in the UK and are not subject to immigration control, Earn less than £128 per week (after tax, National insurance and half of any pension contributions), and, You can apply for Carer’s Allowance online or by completing a paper form. Council Tax discounts for disabled people on GOV.UK, Government help if you can’t pay your mortgage, Benefits and tax credits you can claim as a carer, How to fund your long-term care – a beginner’s guide, Home care services to help you stay in your own home, How much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay, Talking money with young people in Scotland, Why we keep money secrets in relationships, according to Relate. More details can be found in our Attendance Allowance is tax-free and isn’t affected by any savings or income you might have. Daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The current rate is £64.60 a week (2018/2019). Check the GOV.UK website for the full list. If you claim Carer's Allowance, your Class 1 National Insurance credits will be covered. internet browsers with JavaScript. Spend more than 35 hours a week caring for someone. Your pensions contributions are classed as an expense. To apply online use this link: Carer's Allowance. Attendance Allowance is based on the care you need, not the level of care you’re currently receiving. This rate is looked at by the government every April. It may go up from April 2019, but this is not guaranteed. Here are some reasons why it’s important to do so: Some sickness and disability benefits don’t take your savings into account, and the savings limit on others might be higher than you think. You can’t usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and the local authority is paying for your care. Local authority funding for care costs – do you qualify?