{"id":194,"date":"2021-08-27T16:00:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-27T15:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.discountsforcarers.com\/?p=194"},"modified":"2021-09-01T11:05:51","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T10:05:51","slug":"do-you-know-what-benefits-carers-are-entitled-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discountsforcarers.com\/blog\/do-you-know-what-benefits-carers-are-entitled-to\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Know What Benefits Carers Are Entitled To?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being a carer is a tough job. One of the hardest. You might not even consider it a job, but when you really think about it, you\u2019ll see that it is; and it\u2019s not one that many people would have the ability or the stamina to do.<\/p>\n

Since it is a job \u2013 even if you\u2019re caring for someone you love with all your heart \u2013 you should receive monetary compensation for it. Do you know what benefits carers are entitled to?<\/p>\n

A variety of different benefits have been introduced by the Government, to ensure that carers are cared for too. We\u2019ve provided information on these below, to help you get informed about the benefits that are available to you.<\/p>\n

Carer\u2019s Allowance <\/strong><\/h3>\n

To receive carer\u2019s allowance<\/a><\/u><\/strong>\u00a0from the government, you must be looking after your ward for at least 35 hours each week.<\/p>\n

What most people don\u2019t realise is that you don\u2019t need to be related to the person you\u2019re caring for. You don\u2019t even need to live with them.<\/p>\n

However, bear in mind that you will only be entitled to claim for this benefit once, no matter how many people you care for, and you won\u2019t receive it if you are in full-time education, or if you earn more than \u00a3100 a week.<\/p>\n

Before you make a claim it\u2019s a good idea to speak to an expert as in some cases receiving your carer\u2019s allowance can affect not only other benefits you claim, but those that the person you care for claims as well.<\/p>\n

Housing benefit<\/a><\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>is one such benefit that could be affected. The Housing Executive (if you are a tenant) or the Land and Property Services (if you are an owner\/occupier) will include your carer\u2019s allowance when they calculate the amount of housing benefit you are entitled to (so you could end up with less).<\/p>\n

Carer\u2019s allowance can also affect your\u00a0pension credit<\/a><\/u><\/strong>.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Carer Premium<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you already claim the carer\u2019s allowance then you may be able to also claim for a carer premium, which is added to your carer\u2019s allowance as a top up.<\/p>\n

This is\u00a0means tested<\/a><\/u><\/strong>, and is given to those looking after those with terminal illnesses.<\/p>\n

The carer premium is currently set at \u00a334.95 a week for each person who qualifies. The amount is paid monthly to Universal Credit receivers, bringing the total payment to \u00a3151.89 a month.<\/p>\n

More information can be found on the\u00a0Marie Curie website.<\/a> <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Income Support <\/strong><\/h3>\n

You may be able to claim income support as well as the carer\u2019s allowance.<\/p>\n

Income support is intended for those on a low income who need extra help, but it doesn\u2019t have to link to your main source of income; it can link directly to the carer\u2019s allowance.<\/p>\n

It is intended to act as an extra source of income for lower earners. If you qualify for Income Support, the minimum payment you will receive is \u00a357.90 per week if you are aged 16 to 24, and \u00a373.10 per week if you are aged 25 or over. There\u2019s also a higher rate available.<\/p>\n

More information can be found on the government website<\/a>.<\/u><\/strong>\"\"<\/p>\n

We Can Help Too<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Because we know that carer\u2019s do more than anyone could really give them credit for, we have launched a new discounts scheme<\/a>.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n

It\u2019s called Discounts for Carers. It allows those who care for others to receive discounts on a variety of different items including holidays, TV and broadband, home appliances, travel, and fashion.<\/p>\n

Our discount scheme is intended for anyone who could be called a carer, whether that\u2019s your professional job or you\u2019re an unpaid carer for a loved one.<\/p>\n

And, we cover all categories of care, from social work and mental health to home care and care homes. The service is completely free to join, and free to use.<\/p>\n

As well as these great discounts, we\u2019ll also offer plenty of up to date information about all the financial support that carers can receive.<\/p>\n

If anything changes in the care industry, we will make sure that we’re reporting it back to you, particularly if it directly relates to your benefits and what you could be entitled to.<\/p>\n

Why Should You Apply for Benefits? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Applying for carer\u2019s benefits can be a lifeline for many people.<\/p>\n