How to get financial help as a carer
Whether you’re an experienced carer or you are going to begin caring for someone, it can sometimes be tricky to find the best advice for financial help.
From government support to personal fundraising campaigns, there are lots of options available to you.
Here we run through some of this support which is available so you can find the best route for you.
The financial challenges of caregiving
From transport, to higher bills and general costs – the price of being a carer can be high.
According to Carers First, carers face a whole host of financial challenges. It said a substantial 75% of unpaid carers receiving Carer’s Allowance struggle with the increasing cost of living. Almost half of them make sacrifices when it comes to essentials such as food and heating, while 45% find it challenging to make ends meet – an alarming increase of 6% compared to the previous year.
Last year Carers First asked carers about their financial worries. Nine out of 10 of them told them that they were worried about the rising cost of living and losing sleep about it.
Financial support offered by the government
In the UK there are plenty of avenues available to get financial assistance and support from the government.
As well as this, there’s also a range of other options available to support people through the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Carer’s Allowance
You can apply and see if you’re eligible for a Carer’s Allowance. There is a certain criteria for this, so best to check if you qualify.
You could get £76.75 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit is also available, but again you must check if you can qualify for this.
You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week.
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.
Universal Credit
Another route to go down is seeing if you’re eligible for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part time)
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
To claim you must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
Carer Element
Another way to get financial support is through Carer Element.
Carer Element is an addition to Universal Credit and not a separate benefit. So you need to apply to this as well as Universal Credit.
If you meet the conditions for claiming Carer’s Allowance, including caring for at least 35 hours a week, you may be eligible to receive an extra amount of money with Universal Credit called the Carer Element.
To see if you’re eligible, you would need to provide this information to the Universal Credit team on 0800 328 9344:
- the name of the person(s) you care for
- their date of birth
- their National Insurance number
- any disability benefits they receive or have applied for
- the number of hours a week you spend caring for them
- if you are getting or are entitled to Carer’s Allowance
- the contact details of anyone else caring for the same severely-disabled adult or child and if they are getting Carer’s Allowance
- if you receive any income other than Carer’s Allowance for looking after someone.
Carer Premium and Carer Addition
There is also Carer Premium and Carer Addition.
If you’re entitled to Carer’s Allowance, you may be able to receive a Carer Premium (called a Carer Addition for people of State Pension age) or Carer Element if you receive Universal Credit.
There is a criteria for both that you must meet though.
This is extra money paid within any means-tested benefits you may claim. Means-tested benefits are those that take account of any income or savings you have.
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.
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.
Carer’s Assessments
Carer’s Assessments are carried out by your local authority and can result in financial help for you.
It can also assess what help may be available to you.
It might recommend things like:
- someone to take over caring so you can take a break
- gym membership and exercise classes to relieve stress
- help with taxi fares if you don’t drive
- help with gardening and housework
- training how to lift safely
- putting you in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to
- advice about benefits for carers
A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.
Other ways to get financial support as a carer
As well as government support, there are also other ways you can get the help you need.
There are charities, grants and local services available to you if you don’t qualify for financial support from the government.
Carers Trust grants and discounts
Carers Trust also offer support through their grant scheme.
The charity works with local partners near to you to help distribute funding. It’s easy to find out what services are available to you by visiting the charity’s website and entering your post code.
Through its CarerSmart initiative, carers can receive discounts on various goods and services they may use.
Discounts can range from high street shops, to insurance and other needs.
Support from charities
You can also receive financial support, advice and resources from charities.
Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. It supports and helps to connect carers across the country.
It also provides guidance and resources for people who may be struggling or want to access more information.
Crowdfunding
Finally, crowdfunding is an excellent way of gaining financial support.
Raising money online can be an effective source of financial support and you can start a fundraising campaign for almost any reason.
This can be personal, for yourself or for someone you know.
It needn’t be a daunting thing either, as there is lots of advice and information available to get you started.
How fundraising can help cover the cost of being a carer
Fundraising is a very popular way of accessing financial support.
It’s not uncommon for carers who are in need of financial support to crowdfund these days.
Successful fundraising campaigns can be launched for carers that you know and you’d like to help out.
Some people have taken inspiration to raise money for carers who have supported their family too, like this campaign.
You can fundraise for anyone or lead a campaign for yourself, explaining why you need support.