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If you are unable to work full-time because you are caring for someone with a disability or health problem‚ you might be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. If you are under pension age‚ you will also get National Insurance credits each week towards your pension.
It may not be paid if you are receiving a State Pension or certain other benefits - however‚ it may be a good idea to apply anyway because you could get extra help with Pension Credit and/or Council Tax/Housing Benefit instead.
Carer’s Allowance can sometimes continue in payment for short periods if the person you care for dies or if you have a break from caring.
“The extra money has made a big difference to our lives. Douglas now gets the proper care he needs with me at home”
Seventy-nine year-old Douglas spent 40 odd years driving a petrol tanker around the country before he retired at 65. While he loved the job‚ it took its toll on his knees and he is now partially housebound.
“My wife Kathryn and I had no idea that we could claim benefits until we popped in to see Tracy at Age Concern‚” said Douglas.
Kathryn said‚ “Douglas was finding it hard to manage on his own at home. His knees made him unstable so he was at risk of injury. I was working part time and was always worried about him when I left the house.
“Tracy changed our lives. She helped Douglas claim Attendance Allowance and then she helped me claim Carer’s Allowance so I could leave my job as a cleaner and stay home full time to look after him.
“The extra money has made a big difference to our lives. Douglas now gets the proper care he needs with me at home and he can pay for physio on his knees. I find we worry less about our gas bills. I am healthier too since leaving my job because the cleaning was taking its toll on me physically.
“And to think‚ all we did was answer some questions and sign the forms. Tracy did the rest! She was wonderful.”
Download the Carers Allowance factsheet (PDF 152 KB) Download the guide What can you claim? (PDF 545KB)Some guides may contain some information which is out of date as there were changes to benefit rates and the state pension age from April 2010. The guide is currently being updated. In the meantime please use it with caution.
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An information guide about how benefits can give you extra money.
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