Often, taking on caring responsibilities means that your finances are hit. The benefits system is complicated, with each benefit having its own set of rules, so working out what you might be entitled to when your income falls can feel like a challenge. We know that having the right information and support can make a huge difference so you will find a quick summary of the key benefits for carers here.
You will also find links to help pages with more information about who is eligible for each benefit and how to make a claim.
At the bottom of this page there are also links to other organisations who can offer help and advice.
Benefits for you as a carer
This is the main benefit for carers aged 16 years or over. If you are looking after a disabled person for 35 hours or more a week, you may be eligible. You don't have to be related to or live with the person you care for to claim Carer's Allowance, but you must not be employed as their professional carer.
This is the main benefit for working age people on a low income, it helps with housing costs and basic needs whether you are in or out of work. It has replaced Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. These are now often called ‘legacy benefits’.
If you currently receive a legacy benefit you will be moved on to Universal Credit at some point before the end of 2024 (though this may be extended). You may need to claim Universal Credit sooner if your circumstances change and you are no longer entitled to your current benefits as a result.
This is the main benefit for pension age people on a low income. It can top up your State Pension to guarantee you have a minimum level of income and can lead to you being automatically entitled to other types of financial support.
Benefits for someone you care for
If you are a carer who also has care needs, you can claim Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) for yourself and this will not affect your Carer’s Allowance.
This is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age who may need extra help to stay independent at home, due to a long-term illness or disability. It is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of support or supervision you need.
This is a benefit for people aged between 16 and State Pension age who may need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability. It’s not designed to help people whose disability or illness affects them in the short term.
This is a benefit for people looking after a child under the age of 16 who has a health condition or disability. This can help towards the extra costs of bringing up a disabled child. People aged 16 years or over can no longer make a new claim for this benefit and should instead claim Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.
Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) is a benefit for people in Scotland who are aged between 16 and state pension age and need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability.
Child Disability Payment (Scotland) is a benefit for people in Scotland who are looking after a child under the age of 16 who has a health condition or disability. For those over 16, see Adult Disability Payment (Scotland).
Benefits calculator
Try the turn2us free and confidential benefits calculator below to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.