Carers possible entitlements

 

Carer’s Allowance

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As a carer you may be entitled to the Carer’s Allowance if you meet certain criteria. The Carer’s Allowance is not means-tested, so any savings you and your partner have will not affect your entitlement to the allowance.

When you reach state retirement age, entitlement to Carer’s Allowance becomes rather more complicated and many carers find that, where they were previously eligible to be paid Carer’s Allowance, they no longer are.

 

Am I eligible for the Carer’s Allowance?

 

The government website has up-to-date information on eligibility criteria for the Carer’s Allowance:

 

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

 

How do I claim Carer’s Allowance?

Please use the link below to apply online via the government website:

 

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim

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Personal Independence Payment

 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit paid to a disabled person, or someone with a long-term illness or health condition.

 

Anyone who receives PIP can choose how they spend their payment.

 

The payment is not means-tested and the amount you receive is determined by how your condition affects you, not by the condition itself. The PIP is made up of two sections daily living and mobility: standard and enhanced. You can find more detailed information about PIP and how to claim the payment at:

 

https://www.gov.uk/pip

 

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Attendance Allowance

 

Attendance allowance (AA) is a benefit for people aged over 66 who are disabled or have a long-term health condition and have care needs as a result of this.

 

There are two rates of Attendance Allowance. The lower rate is paid to people who need help either during the day or night and the higher rate is for people who need help both during the day and at night. People with a terminal illness (and who meet the definition of terminal illness under AA rules) will get the higher rate.

 

Attendance Allowance can be spent in whichever way the claimant chooses and is there to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.

 

For more information on the Attendance Allowance, including how to apply, follow the link below:

 

https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

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Carers Credit

 

You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week.

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Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record.

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Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.

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Find out more here: Carer's Credit: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Pension Credit

 

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

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• You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

• Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.

• You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

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When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.

Attendance Allowance, Adult Disability Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) do NOT count as income. 

 

Find out more here: Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)