General Information about benefits

The government provides a variety of benefits for both you and the person you care for and you should not be reluctant to claim them - that's what they're there for.

The information on this site is not advice about benefits.  It can only give you an indication of the benefits that might be available.  It cannot tell you everything that is applicable to your situation.  If you think there is any possibility that you are not getting all the benefits to which you are entitled, we would urge you to get expert advice. This could be from Citizens Advice, a specialist welfare rights service or your local Department of Work and Pensions.

The main benefits for carers are...

• Carers Allowance (previously Invalid Care Allowance)
  Paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is severely disabled.
• Carer Premium - you may also be able to get the Carer Premium which is extra money added to Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You may be able to get this if you claimed Carers Allowance but cannot get it because you already have another benefit paid at the same or higher amount. A claimant is entitled to the carer's premium if s/he or her/his partner is entitled to carer's allowance. Check with you Social Security office or Jobcentre Plus office or Pension Centre.
• Help for Carers
  You may be able to get help with things like adapting a home for a disabled person, respite care or other support.

The main benefits for people being cared for are...

• Attendance Allowance
  Paid if you need help to look after yourself if your are aged 65+
• Disability Living Allowance
  Paid if you need help looking after yourself before you reach age 65.
• Disability Living Allowance for Children under 16
  Paid for a child if they need more help or looking after than other children of the same age because of illness or disability.
• Incapacity Benefit (Job Centre Plus website)
  Paid if you are incapable of work because of sickness or disability.

Find out more

• Age Concern - information, advice and fact sheets
• Bereavement - making a will, inheritance tax, and government assistance such as Funeral Payments and Bereavement Payments from Directgov
• Benefits in Devon - overview and contact details
• Carers UK - Benefit advice
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - Disabled People and Carers
• Enduring Power of Attorney - help others to manage their financial affairs and property when they are unable to undertake this themselves from Directgov
• Help the Aged - Benefits Info
• Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC) - money and benefits
• Probate - information from the Court Service
• State Pensions for carers and parents - Department for Work and Pensions Guide

Also on devon.gov.uk

Related links