Financial support

Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credits

There is a range of benefits, tax credits and other financial support that you may be able to receive as a carer.

The Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. To be eligible for it you must be aged 16 or over and care for a disabled person for more than 35 hours per week. You will also receive National Insurance credit, which helps towards pension entitlement.

You may be able to get Carer's Credit even if you don't qualify for Carer's Allowance. This is a National Insurance credit that helps carers build up qualifying years for your State Pension.

The Directgov site includes:

  • what benefits you are entitled to
  • how to protect your pension
  • advice on housing
  • how to get discounts on travel and leisure activities.

Direct payments

Direct payments are sums of money that the Council gives you to buy services that will help you in your role as a carer.

To get direct payments, you need to have a carer's assessment. This is when we talk to you about your situation and see what help we might be able to give you.

If you are eligible for one of our services you can choose to receive the money for that service as a direct payment. This means you can arrange the service yourself and choose who will provide it.

Carers Personal Budget

The Carers Personal Budget is a one-off payment that aims to give you a break. It can help you to pay for leisure activities, buy services you need and have a life outside of caring.

Carers card

The County Council in partnership with Care for the Carers has launched the Carers Card to offer carers savings and discounts at retail and leisure venues in and around Eastbourne.

The scheme is running from April 2012 and in future will be extended by inviting retailers and leisure venues in other areas of East Sussex to join it.

The scheme is open to carers living anywhere in East Sussex. You will need to have an assessment (or review) from Adult Social Care to show that you provide regular unpaid support to an adult..

You can then get a card from any East Sussex library. You'll need to take along a copy of your signed support plan.

Download a list of businesses taking part:

For more about the scheme or to find out how your business can join, please see Information for Carers – Care for the Carers website