The Big Bridge

Benefits for carers

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers comments that: "Benefit rules continually change, as may your personal circumstances - you should seek regular assessments of your benefit entitlements." They also make the point that nobody has an obligation to tell you what you're entitled to claim, so it's worth getting independent advice.
www.carers.org

As a carer you may be able to claim several benefits, and receiving one may mean that you qualify for others. Both you and the person you care for could also be entitled to benefits that aren't directly connected to your caring role, such as tax credits. The Carers Direct website offers detailed information about carers allowance and top-up benefits.
www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal

The Carers UK website lists the main benefits for carers and people who they look after. Click on the logo to find out more.  

The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove gives guidance to carers as to how to apply for benefits and can give information on benefits and grants that are availabel.  They also produce a useful factsheet on "Benefits available to carers and those they care for".

Call 01273 234045 or visit their website www.thecarerscentre.org for more details. 

The website www.direct.gov.uk is also a source of comprehensive information on benefits, as well as many other carers' issues. There is an on-line benefits adviser questionnaire, and general information about the benefits system and how it works.

You can call the Carers Helpline on 0808 808 7777 for advice on benefits and other financial issues.

Waving not drowning have produced a leaflet giving advice on family finance when your disabled child becomes an adult.  Please click here to view.  There is also a lot information on their website.  Joining the waving not drowning facebook page is another way to be involved with discussions and get support from people with similar experiences.