Finding out if you are entitled to any benefits or getting support to manage your finances can be really helpful when you are caring for someone.
There are organisations who can help you to apply for what you are entitled to and there are lots of websites that provide information.
We have listed the details of the main benefits for carers, website links and contact details for some of the organisations who can help you to find out more.
Carers Allowance
Carers Allowance is a benefit for unpaid carers, which comes from the Department for Work and Pensions.
It is paid at a rate of £81.90 per week (2024/2025)
Can I claim Carers Allowance?
You may be able to get Carers Allowance if you meet all the following conditions:
- You care for someone at least 35 hours a week
- You don’t earn more than £151 per week (after certain deductions)
- The person you are caring for gets a qualifying disability benefit
- You are over the age of 16
- You are not in full time education
- You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions
To find out more about the eligibility requirements visit the gov.uk website.
How do I apply for Carers Allowance?
You can apply online at gov.uk
Or
If you can’t apply online you can call the Carers Allowance Unit to ask for a form on 0800 731 0297
Carer’s Credit
You may be able to get Carer’s Credit if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week.
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that can help to cover gaps in your National Insurance record while, you are a carer. The amount of State Pension you get is based on your National Insurance record. Filling the gaps in your National Insurance record while you are not in paid employment can increase how much money you get when you reach retirement age.
To apply for Carer’s Credit download the claim form on the gov.uk website, or call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.
https://www.gov.uk/credyd-gofalwyr/sut-i-wneud-cais
To check if there are any gaps in your National Insurance record and to get a State Pension forecast use the gov.uk State Pension forecast tool.
Benefits calculators
You can use online benefits calculators to check what you might be entitled to. This is a good way to find out:
- What benefits you are entitled to
- An estimate of how much money you could get
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
- How your benefits will be affected by a change of your circumstances
The following benefits calculators are recommended by gov.uk, they are independent, anonymous and free to use:
Local support
You can also check with the following organisations to find out what you could be entitled to:
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Citizens Advice Bureau ( 01239 621974 or 01970 612817 Text or Whatsapp: 07782 361974 (Please note: this number is for texting only – calls will not be answered)
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Age Cymru Dyfed (For people aged 50+) ( 0333 344 7874 * reception@agecymrudyfed.org.uk 8 www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/dyfed
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Castell Adventures – Older persons service (50+) ( 0800 052 2526 or 07971 954375 * older.persons@castellventures.wales
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Other Benefits
There are other benefits that you may be entitled to. The following links explain some of the other benefits that are available:
Universal Credit is financial support for living costs that you can receive if you have a low income, are unemployed, or unable to work.
If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit can give you extra money to help with living and housing costs like ground rent or service charges.