How to Find Financial Help as a Carer

Money worries are common for carers. You may have given up work or reduced your hours, and caring often comes with extra costs. The good news is that there is financial help available.

The main types of support are:

• Carer’s Allowance – a weekly payment if you care for someone 35+ hours a week

• Carer’s Credit – helps protect your State Pension if you’ve had to stop working

• Other benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on your situation
  
  

The person you care for might also be entitled to benefits which can be used to offset the costs of their care.  Find out more about the benefits available to pensioners who need care. 

Although the options are similar throughout the UK, the arrangements, eligibility criteria and payments vary in each country. 

You can find full details and apply on the official GOV.UK website.

Carer’s Allowance is based on your income and is available if you:

• Are 16 or over

• Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone

• Earn below a certain amount
  
  

You could qualify if you help with:

• Washing, cooking, or getting around

• Managing household tasks or bills

• Supporting someone who receives a benefit such as Attendance Allowance
  
  

Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, it’s worth checking, some carers are surprised to find they can claim.

Applying for Carer’s Allowance can feel complicated, but the process is straightforward once you know what to expect.

You can apply online through the Government website or by post using the Carer’s Allowance claim form. Before you start, have these details ready:

• Your National Insurance number

• Your bank or building society details

• Information about the person you care for, including their date of birth and benefits they receive
  
  

If your claim is approved, payments are usually made weekly or every four weeks. If your application is refused, you can ask for a review. It’s worth getting advice from a local carers’ centre or Citizens Advice if you’re unsure.

Carer’s Credit helps fill any gaps in your National Insurance record so your future State Pension isn’t affected by time spent caring. It’s not a payment, but it keeps your pension record on track while you’re out of work or working fewer hours to care for someone.

Your income, savings, or investments don’t affect whether you can get Carer’s Credit.

You may be eligible for  Carer’s Credit it if you:

• Care for someone for at least 20 hours a week

• Are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age

• Do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance
  
  

Your income and savings don’t affect eligibility. The person you care for must get a benefit such as Attendance Allowance.

You can still claim Carer’s Credit even if you work part-time. Many carers balance paid work with their caring role, and this credit protects your pension record during those years.

You just need to show that you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week. If your caring hours vary, you can keep a simple diary or record to show how much support you give.

Carer’s Credit doesn’t give you money directly, but it makes sure your future pension isn’t reduced because of your caring responsibilities.

Carers might also qualify for:

• Universal Credit if your income is low
  
  

• Pension Credit if you’re over State Pension age
  
  

• Council Tax reductions in some areas
  
  

• Help with energy bills or travel costs depending on local schemes
  
  

You can use a benefits calculator on the Government website to check what you’re entitled to.

Beyond benefits, there are some charities and local councils that offer small grants to help with the cost of caring. These can cover household essentials, travel to appointments, or a short break for rest.

Organisations like Turn2Us and your local council’s adult social care team have online tools to check what’s available.

Don’t be afraid to ask. These grants exist because caring takes a toll, both financially and emotionally, and every bit of help counts.