Financial support for carers

Part of: Support for carers

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Caring for someone can have an impact on your finances, but there is support available to help. Read more about benefits for carers who are working age.

Following a carer's assessment with Trafford Carers Centre, you can also access their benefit entitlement advice service.

Carer's Allowance

If you are caring for someone at least 35 hours a week and the person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit, you could be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.

  • You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for
  • You don't get paid extra if you care for more than one person
  • If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim the Allowance

You can find out more about the Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK. You can also check your benefit entitlement using the Turn2us Benefits Calculator.

Carer's Credit

If you are caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could be entitled to Carer’s Credit. Carer’s Credit is a national insurance credit which helps with gaps in your national insurance record. 

This means you can take caring responsibilities and can still build up your entitlement to state pension and other benefits, even if you’ve had to reduce work because of your caring role. 

Personal budgets and direct payments

Carers could be eligible to receive a personal budget or direct payment designed to provide more control and flexibility in managing their own care and support needs. 

These payments can provide support with: 

  • Education and training
  • A short break
  • Improving their own health and wellbeing
  • Practical help in the home

To get a personal budget or direct payment, you must have a Carer's Assessment.

Council tax reduction

Carers may be entitled to a council tax reduction, sometimes called Council Tax Support or being ‘disregarded for Council Tax’. 

You could qualify if you:

  • Live with the person you care for, and
  • Are not their spouse or partner

You do not need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to qualify, and your income or savings will not affect your eligibility. 

Find out more about council tax reduction for carers.