I’m a carer and worried about money
Caring for someone can lead to money worries, especially if your caring role means you have to give up work. On this page you’ll find out about the financial support available for carers.
Carer's Allowance
This is a benefit especially for carers. To be eligible you must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a disabled person.
Protect your State Pension with Carer’s Credit
If you care for someone at least 20 hours per week, you could get Carer’s Credit. This helps to maintain your National Insurance record – which goes towards your State Pension.
You will get Carer’s credit automatically if you get Carer’s Allowance, although you don’t have to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to get it.
Get financial support from social services
If you have a carer’s assessment from your Health Trust, they may find that you are eligible for a direct payment, also known as a carer’s personal budget, to help you with your caring role.
If the person you care for has been assessed as needing help from social services, they may also get money towards their care and support.
Disability benefits for the person you care for
The person you care for may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a weekly benefit for those over 65 who have difficulty with their personal care or needs supervision to keep them safe.
If the person you care for is under 65, they may be eligible for Personal Independent Payment, which has replaced Disability Living Allowance.
Which benefit could you claim?
What to do next?
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Age NI Advice Service
Every year our Advice Service deals with thousands of calls from older people in need. Call us today to make sure that you are receiving all the help and support available to you.