Carers Allowance - What am I entitled to?
Caring for a family member, friend or loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also have an impact on your own finances, work and day-to-day life.
Many people who provide regular support do not realise that they may be entitled to financial help or other support.
If you regularly care for someone, you may be wondering: “What am I entitled to?”
What is Carer’s Allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit that may be available to people who spend a significant amount of time caring for someone with a disability or long-term health condition.
You do not have to be related to the person you care for, and you do not necessarily have to live with them.
In general, eligibility depends on a number of factors, including:
How many hours of care you provide each week
The benefits received by the person you care for
Your employment and earnings
Whether you are in full-time education
Your own circumstances and other benefits you may receive
The rules surrounding Carer’s Allowance can be complicated, and claiming it can sometimes affect other benefits received by you or the person you care for. For this reason, it is always worth checking your individual circumstances before making a decision.
Current government guidance explains that Carer’s Allowance may be available to someone caring for another person for at least 35 hours a week, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.
Living in Hertfordshire? Help and information is available
For people living in Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council provides information and support for carers, including guidance about finances and benefits.
They also have a Carers and Benefits factsheet, along with other financial information and leaflets, which can help explain what support may be available and where to go for further advice.
For more information, visit:
Hertfordshire County Council – Money, benefits and advice
You can also visit the Hertfordshire County Council website and look for their benefits information and available factsheets.
You may be entitled to more than just Carer’s Allowance
Depending on your circumstances, there may be other financial support or services available to you.
For example, carers may also be able to access:
National Insurance credits
A carer’s assessment
Support from local services
Advice about other benefits and financial support
Help with planning for emergencies or unexpected changes in your caring role
Hertfordshire County Council offers carers a free carer’s assessment, which provides an opportunity to discuss how caring affects your own life and explore what support may be available.
Don’t assume you are not entitled
Many carers do not think of themselves as “carers”. You may simply see yourself as a husband, wife, daughter, son, friend or neighbour who is helping someone they care about.
However, if the person you support could not manage without some of the help you provide, it may be worth finding out what financial and practical support is available to you.
Even if you are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance itself, you may still be entitled to other support.
Where can I find out more?
The best place to start is by checking the latest information from Hertfordshire County Council and the government, as benefit rates and eligibility rules can change.
For Hertfordshire residents, the Council’s carers and benefits information and factsheets provide a useful starting point for understanding what help may be available.
At Nannies 4 Grannies, we understand that supporting an older relative or loved one can involve many different responsibilities. While we provide non-personal home help and companionship, we also believe it is important for families and carers to know where they can find information, advice and support when they need it.
Please note: This article is intended as general information only. Benefit entitlement depends on individual circumstances, and you should check the latest guidance or seek independent advice before making a claim.