Carer’s Allowance explained: Britons could claim an extra £279 each month – can you apply? | Personal Finance | Finance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit issued by the Department for Work and Pensions for people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week. As the cost of living crisis continues to soar, Britons are urged to claim all the benefits they are entitled to as it could be vital in paying for rising bills.
People do not have to be related to, or live with, the person they care for.
Those who decide to apply for Carer’s Allowance may also have access to other benefits.
Britons may also be able to apply for:
- Support from your local council
- A Council Tax Reduction
- Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work
- Pension Credit if you’re over working age
- Grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training
- Income Support (if you get the severe disability premium and you’re on a low income)
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (if you get the severe disability premium and you cannot work).
To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, someone, the person they care for and the type of care they provide has to meet a certain criteria.
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The person they care for must already be getting certain benefits such as the daily living component of PIP, disability living allowance – the middle or highest care rate, attendance allowance or armed forces independence payment.
There are other benefits that the person being cared can claim. The full list can be found on the Government website.
Claimants could get £69.70 a week if they care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
This means a cash boost of almost £279 each month.
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Britons cannot get Carer’s Allowance if they share the care of an individual with someone else.
The type of care that constitutes as ‘caring for someone’ includes tasks such as helping with washing and cooking, taking the person being cared for to a doctor’s appointment or helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping.
Applicants need to be 16 years or over, living in England, Scotland or Wales, earning less that £132 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
Someone’s earnings are any income from employment and self-employment after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
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If their pension is less than £69.70 a week, they’ll get a Carer’s Allowance payment to make up the difference.
To find out more information on what benefits may be affected, people can visit the Government website.
People can a benefits calculator to work out how their other benefits will be affected.
Britons can make a claim on the Gov.uk website, or they can call 0800 731 0297 for a form.
Before someone applies they should make sure they have their:
- National Insurance number (if they have a partner they’ll need theirs too)Bank or building society details
- Employment details and latest payslip if they’re working
- P45 if they’ve recently finished work
- Course details if they’re studying
- Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while they’re at work.
Britons are reminded to check what they are entitled to as any extra cash could be vital in times like this.
