Caring for a loved one? You might be entitled to £307 a month plus council tax discount

People providing unpaid care could be able to claim £76.75 a week, equivalent to £307 a month, and potentially get support such as a discount on their council tax.To get the payment, known as Carer’s Allowance, unpaid carers must care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and the person they care for must get specific benefits.The caregiver doesn’t need to be related to, or live with, the person being cared for.Before claiming, it’s important to note that Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that the caregiver and the person being cared for get.Additionally, it is a form of taxable income so tax will be paid on the payment if one’s income is over the personal allowance.For each week a person gets Carer’s Allowance, they will automatically get National Insurance credits, which could alleviate gaps in one’s National Insurance record and boost state pension income.By claiming Carer’s Allowance, a person may also be able to apply for extra support – such as Universal Credit for those on low income or out of work, Pension Credit, grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training, and support from their local council.It might also open up eligibility for a council tax discount, known as a Council Tax Reduction.Do you have a financial question you'd like experts to answer, or a money story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing gbnews@money.uk.The Government says a person could be eligible for Council Tax Reduction if they’re on a low income or claim benefits, and the bill could be reduced by up to 100 per cent.Council Tax Reduction, which is sometimes called Council Tax Support, should be applied for via the local council.Carer’s Allowance recipients who live in Scotland may also get Carer’s Allowance Supplement.The type of care being provided can include:Helping with washing and cookingTaking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointmentHelping with household tasks, like managing bills and shoppingLATEST DEVELOPMENTS:State pension age couple awarded over £1,050 and extra supportPensioners urged to see if they can get £407 a month to help ‘stay independent’Pensioner with bladder problems able to get £200 a week boostTo apply for Carer's Allowance, it's important to check the caregiver and the person who gets the care meet the eligibility criteria.It's important to be aware that Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that both people get, and understand what this can mean.Unpaid carers can backdate their claim for the benefit by up to three months.It is possible to apply for Carer's Allowance online, or by post. Applicants can call the Carer's Allowance Unit to request a form.

Caring for a loved one? You might be entitled to £307 a month plus council tax discount


People providing unpaid care could be able to claim £76.75 a week, equivalent to £307 a month, and potentially get support such as a discount on their council tax.

To get the payment, known as Carer’s Allowance, unpaid carers must care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and the person they care for must get specific benefits.


The caregiver doesn’t need to be related to, or live with, the person being cared for.

Before claiming, it’s important to note that Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that the caregiver and the person being cared for get.


Unpaid carer with elderly grandfather


Additionally, it is a form of taxable income so tax will be paid on the payment if one’s income is over the personal allowance.

For each week a person gets Carer’s Allowance, they will automatically get National Insurance credits, which could alleviate gaps in one’s National Insurance record and boost state pension income.

By claiming Carer’s Allowance, a person may also be able to apply for extra support – such as Universal Credit for those on low income or out of work, Pension Credit, grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training, and support from their local council.

It might also open up eligibility for a council tax discount, known as a Council Tax Reduction.

Do you have a financial question you'd like experts to answer, or a money story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing gbnews@money.uk.


The Government says a person could be eligible for Council Tax Reduction if they’re on a low income or claim benefits, and the bill could be reduced by up to 100 per cent.

Council Tax Reduction, which is sometimes called Council Tax Support, should be applied for via the local council.

Carer’s Allowance recipients who live in Scotland may also get Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

The type of care being provided can include:

  • Helping with washing and cooking
  • Taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
  • Helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping


LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:


Person looks at energy bills beside a mug of coffee

To apply for Carer's Allowance, it's important to check the caregiver and the person who gets the care meet the eligibility criteria.

It's important to be aware that Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that both people get, and understand what this can mean.

Unpaid carers can backdate their claim for the benefit by up to three months.

It is possible to apply for Carer's Allowance online, or by post. Applicants can call the Carer's Allowance Unit to request a form.