Financial Support for Carers | Support for carers

The Care Act 2014 introduced a number of changes for carers and these included the introduction of a new national carer eligibility criteria, a right for carers to have an assessment of their own support needs and depending on the outcome of the assessment, the provision of a carer personal budget.

A carer assessment identifies a carer's needs, considers which of those needs are not being met as a result of the caring role and if these are eligible needs that require support. The national carer eligibility criteria is set by the government and was put in place to make sure everyone is treated in a consistent way across the country.

A carers personal budget is an amount of money that may be allocated to you following a carer’s assessment. The money is not means tested and can be used to buy services and equipment which will help you in your caring role

You can ask for an assessment at any time, please talk to the social worker that is working with the person you care for (if they have one) or alternatively email social_care_direct@wakefield.gov.uk or phone 0345 8 503 503 and ask for a carers needs assessment.

Carers

My Time | Carers Wakefield & District

Carer’s allowance is a taxable benefit for people aged 16 or over whom spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. The person they care for must be receiving disability living allowance at the middle or highest rate of the care component, or attendance allowance.

Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Carers may have access to the following benefits –

Council tax and housing benefit
Council tax - the carer's discount

You may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax bill if you look after someone who:

Receives the higher or middle rate of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or receives Attendance Allowance
Is cared for by you for a minimum of 35 hours per week*
Is not your spouse or partner
Is over 18
Lives with you

More information on Council Tax reduction Discounts - Wakefield Council

If you receive Carer's Allowance (previously known as Invalid Care Allowance) you have already proven you care for more than 35 hours per week.

Attendance Allowance - Paid to people who are over 65 and have health problems and care needs.
Personal Independent Payment - Paid to people disabled before the age of 65.
Other means-tested benefits include -

Income Support
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit
Pension Credit

A carer's premium is included in these benefits for people who are entitled to Carer's Allowance. This includes people who would be paid Carer's Allowance but do not get paid because of the overlapping benefit rule.

Discounts for Carers

Whether you're a paid or unpaid carer, we have a huge range of discounts, money-saving deals and vouchers that you're entitled to, including travel and holiday deals , money off top fashion brands, savings on homeware and electricals, through to deals on mobile phones, utilities and gym memberships.