Carers Allowance
The Carers 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 for each week that you claim. This helps towards pension entitlement.
Find out more about the Carers Allowance, including who qualifies for it and how to apply:
Carers Credit
Even if you don't qualify for Carers Allowance, you may still be able to get Carers Credit. This is a National Insurance credit that helps carers build up qualifying years for the basic State Pension and additional State Pension.
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 carers 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.
Further information
The Directgov website contains a wide range of useful information on the financial support available to carers.
It includes:
- what benefits you are entitled to
- how to protect your pension
- advice on housing
- how to get discounts on travel and leisure activities.
East Sussex County Council