Finance and benefits for carers
It is not uncommon for carers to experience financial difficulties. Depending on circumstances, there are a number of benefits that carers and those they care for may be able to claim.
Both the Carers Trust and Carers UK have useful finance and benefits information on their websites.
Swansea Carers Centre provide benefits advice to carers but you will need to make an appointment in advance.
Other organisations providing benefits advice in Swansea include, Age Cymru West Glamorgan, Citizens Advice Swansea / Neath Port Talbot and the Tenancy Support Unit.
Carers allowance
If you spend a lot of time looking after someone with an illness or disability, you may be entitled to extra money in the form of a benefit called Carer's Allowance (opens new window).
You can get £76.75 a week if you care for someone else 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.
- If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance (opens new window).
Carer's Allowance (opens new window) can affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get. You have to pay tax on it if your income is over the Personal Allowance (gov.uk) (opens new window).
You can submit a claim for Carer's Allowance (opens new window), or report a change of circumstances online, using the Carer's Allowance (opens new window) Digital Service.
Carer's Credit
Carer's Credit (opens new window) is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record.
You can get Carer's Credit (opens new window) if you're caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week.
Your income, savings or investments will not affect eligibility for Carer's Credit (opens new window).
If you are caring for somebody in your household (other than your partner or a child under the age of 18) then the person responsible for paying the Council Tax could be eligible for a discount.