Last updated:
2nd July 2024
Benefits and financial support if you are caring for someone
How to apply for Carer’s Allowance and other benefits
As a carer you may be eligible for certain benefits and entitlements including a Carer’s Personal Budget to support you in your caring role.
Type of benefits
Carers allowance
You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim on the UK Government website.
Carers credit
You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim on the UK Government website.
Pension Credit
If you are a carer over State Pension age you may get extra money to help with your living costs. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim on the UK Government website.
Universal Credit
If you are on a low income, out of work or cannot work you may be able to get Universal Credit to help with your living costs. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim on the UK Government website.
Benefit calculators
Check if you're entitled to benefits using one of these independent benefits calculator websites:
The following websites have further information about benefits and financial support if you're caring for someone:
Council tax discount for carers
You may be able to get a Council Tax discount if you or someone in your household is a carer. To find out if you are eligible go to the discounts for people in care and carers page.
Personal budgets for carers
To get a personal budget you will have to have had a carers assessment. If you're eligible we'll arrange for you to have a carers personal budget. This is money set aside for you to buy services to help meet your assessed needs as a carer.
Financial information
Search the community directory for services that provide:
Financial information and assistance
The person you care for can't make their own decisions
A person may lack ‘capacity’ to make decisions on their own. This could be because of illness or disability, or the effects of drugs or alcohol. While the person may lack capacity to make particular decisions at particular times, it does not necessarily mean that they lack all capacity to make any decisions at all.
Read our page about what if someone can't make their own decisions.
Legal advice and assistance
Search the community directory to find services who provide legal advice and assistance:
