Wondering how benefits have been affected by COVID-19?
You will still be entitled to receive Carer’s Allowance if you have a temporary break from caring because you, or those you care for, get coronavirus or you have to self-isolate because of it.
In addition, the government has confirmed that providing ‘emotional support’ even if via telephone and/or social media will count towards the 35 hours needed to claim the benefit.
This Carers UK webpage has a useful directory of current benefits changes
There is also information on the Citizen’s Advice website
Different UK Government benefits have specific eligibility rules, and it is always a good idea to find out as much information as you can before applying. The information given on this page is a basic outline. You can find out about eligibility for all benefits on the DirectGov website.
There is also a website Mental Health and Money Advice that has a carers benefits section.
To find out more, and discuss individual circumstances and eligibility for all benefits, you can also contact:
- a Carers Advice line such as Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 or Rethink’s advice line on 0300 5000 927.
- Carers UK also offer advice about benefits – they have a useful online tool UPFRONT – which has been set up to help you find out more about your benefits and entitlements
- Citizens Advice – you can find out more information on their website about benefits, or speak to an adviser
- Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. You may find it useful to use their Benefits eligibility calculator and their Benefits advice service locator if you need some help and advice.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for carers.
You may be eligible if you are:
- aged 16 or over
- looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week
- caring for a person who is in receipt of a disability related benefit with a daily living or care component – for example PIP (Personal Independence Payment) with a daily living component, DLA (Disability Living Allowance) with a personal care component at the middle or highest rate, Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance.
- not in full-time education
- live in the UK and are not subject to immigration control
Do apply, even if you are not sure about your entitlement.
Find out more about carer’s allowance – how to claim, apply online, or download a claim form.
You can also request a claim pack for Carer’s Allowance by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (text phone 0800 731 0317) . Open Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm.
Or if you live in Northern Ireland contact the Disability and Carers Service by calling 0800 587 0912 (text phone 0800 012 1574) Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Even if you are not eligible for a Carer’s Allowance, because of certain benefits you are claiming, you may be eligible for a Carer’s Premium allowance. If eligible the Carer’s Premium allowance is paid on top of benefits you may be getting.
Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Premium can affect the other benefits that both you and the person you care for get.
When you are awarded Carer’s Allowance the person you care for may stop getting:
- a severe disability premium paid with their benefits (this does not apply if receiving Carer’s Premium only)
- an extra amount for severe disability paid with Pension Credit, if they get one
- reduced Council Tax – contact their local council to find out if this affects them
Carer’s Credit
Don’t forget to claim Carer’s Credit if you are caring for someone at least 20 hours a week.
Carer’s credit is a National Insurance credit that helps you to build up your entitlement to benefits, such as your state retirement pension. Your own income, savings or investments won’t affect your eligibility for Carer’s Credit. Receiving the Carer’s Credit means that you can take on caring responsibilities without affecting your ability to qualify for the State Pension.
If you are on Carer’s Allowance you do not need to apply for Carer’s Credit as you will automatically be credited.
A carer may be eligible if they are:
- looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week
- caring for a person who is in receipt of a disability related benefit with a daily living or care component – for example PIP (Personal Independence Payment) with a daily living component or DLA (Disability Living Allowance) with a care component at the middle or highest rate (DLA is currently being phased out and replaced by PIP for those born after 1948).
However, if the person being cared for does not get a disability benefit, you may still be able to get Carer’s Credit. When you apply, fill in the Care Certificate part of the application form and get a health or social care professional to sign it.
Find out more about carer’s credit in England, Wales and Scotland – how to claim and download a claim form.
You can also request a claim pack for Carer’s Credit by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (text phone 0800 731 0317) Open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.
Or if you live in Northern Ireland contact the Disability and Carers Service by calling 0800 587 0912 (text phone 0800 012 1574) Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.