Benefits for Carers
Below is an overview of benefits, with links, available to unpaid carers. For more information, or to find out if you may be eligible for any of these, please contact the Welfare Rights Team on welfarerights@pkc.gov.uk or call them on 01738 476900 (Option 1). A welfare rights referral can be made on your behalf by an Adult Carers support worker, please contact 01738 567076, option 2 or email carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk.
Carer’s Allowance
The main state benefit which carers can apply for is the Carer’s Allowance. This is the only benefit specifically for carers, however, not all carers will qualify for it . You do not have to be living with the cared for person, or be related to them, but there are conditions attached to this benefit.
If you would like to find out more please follow this link
Carer’s Allowance Supplement
Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) is an additional payment paid by Social Security Scotland to those being paid Carer’s Allowance. The payments will be paid automatically via the same method as your Carer’s Allowance. For further information please use the below link
Young Carer Grant
The Young Carer Grant is a new yearly cash payment for 16 -18 year olds which carers can spend as they choose. Young carers can claim if they are at school, in further education, employed or unemployed, please follow the link below for more information.
Adult Disability Payment
Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you:
- do not already receive Personal Independence Payment
- are aged between 16 and State Pension Age
- have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition or terminal illness.
For more information about ADP please use the below link
Disability Living Allowance for children (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:
- Is under 16
- Has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability
For more information about DLA please use the below link
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Attendance Allowance is money for people from State Retirement Age onwards who have care needs. You may have care needs if you need help with activities of daily living such as getting dressed, going to the toilet or having someone to look after your so you do not hurt yourself.
For more information about Attendance Allowance please use the below link
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credits mean carers can be ‘credited’ with Class 3 national insurance contributions to help them qualify for other benefits which they may not otherwise have been eligible for if their caring responsibilities prevented them from being able to work and pay national insurance contributions in the normal way.
Apply for Carer’s Credit through: Department for Work and Pensions
For more information on Carers Credit please use this link
For further information and advice on any of the above benefits please email welfarerights@pkc.gov.uk or call them on 01738 476900 (Option 1)
Help with Council Tax
If you live with the person you care for your Council Tax liability may be reduced because:
- You care for the person (please note no carer disregard can be applied if you care for your spouse/partner).
- The person you care for has a severe mental impairment.
- The house you live in has been adapted in a way that would reduce your Council Tax band.
For more information, on the above, use the link below