Benefits and financial support if you're caring for someone

Overview

You may be able to get support if you spend significant time caring for someone. Your entitlement can depend on the care you provide, your earnings, and the benefits received by the person you care for.

A carer's assessment from your local authority can identify practical support even if you do not qualify for a payment.

Check what you could get

Use a benefits calculator with details of your income, savings, household, working hours, and caring responsibilities.

Before claiming, check whether a carer payment could affect a severe disability addition or another payment received by the person you care for.

Benefits and financial support

• Carer's Allowance may be available if you provide enough care and meet the earnings rules.
• Carer's Credit can protect your National Insurance record if caring limits your ability to work.
• Universal Credit may include additional support for caring responsibilities.
• Pension Credit may include an extra amount for eligible carers.

Managing benefits for someone else

If a person cannot manage their own benefit claim, you can ask to become their appointee. This makes you responsible for the claim, reporting changes, and using payments in their interests.

Becoming an appointee is different from having legal authority over the person's wider finances.

Other support

Contact the relevant benefit office if you need help with a claim. A support visit may be available when the usual phone, online, or written routes are not suitable.

The person you care for may also qualify for a disability or attendance benefit based on their own needs.