Many people cannot work full-time because of their caregiving responsibilities and cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, utilities, and food, has increased in recent years, adding to the financial pressures.

If you would like an overview of the benefits available to carers in the UK, read the helpful blog by our Benefits and Financial Wellbeing Advisor Bernadette.

Here are some more things it might be helpful to know as a carer.

1. Where to get help and advice

Would you like to know if you are entitled to more support in your caring role?

Our Benefits and Financial Wellbeing Adviser can provide a free confidential advice and information about:

• Benefits advice and information
• Resources and grant opportunities
• Energy efficiency advice
• Financial knowledge and resilience (money management, budgeting, tips on saving etc)
• Carbon Monoxide awareness and support
• Priority Service Register awareness and sign up support

2. Benefits calculator

Turn2Us has an online benefits calculator which helps you to work out which benefits you might be able to claim, and how much you could get.

Make sure you have all the information you need on hand before you start. You’ll need:

• Details of your income and savings (this includes investments and other capital)
• Your annual Council Tax bill.
• Details of your rent or mortgage payments.
• Details of any benefits you already claim.

3. Council Tax discounts

If you are a carer and you live in the same property as the person you care for, you might be able to get a discount on Council Tax. Below is a list of criteria for a carer related discount:

• you must provide care for at least 35 hours a week
• you must live in the same property as the person you care for
• you must not be the spouse or partner of the person you care for, or their parent if you care for a child under 18
• the person you care for must be getting either the middle or higher rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance OR the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment at any rate OR Attendance Allowance at any rate

You do not have to claim Carer’s Allowance to qualify for this discount, and your income and savings will not affect your eligibility.

If you think this applies to you, speak to your local authority to ask how to apply for the discount.

4. Backdated Carer’s allowance

Did you know you may be able to arrange for Carer’s Allowance to be backdated for up to three months (as long as you met the conditions during this period).

You don’t have to give a reason for backdating your claim and you can request this on the claim form when asked the relevant question.

5. Mandatory reconsideration

If you disagree with the decision made on your Carer’s Allowance claim, for example due to incorrect information being used, you can ask for it to be looked at again known as a ‘mandatory reconsideration’. If you still disagree with the decision you can then appeal to an independent tribunal.

You will usually be given one month to dispute a decision, so it is important to seek advice and act quickly.

6. Help with health costs

If you’re on a low income you might be able to get help paying for NHS charges including:

• prescriptions
• dental treatment
• sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• wigs and fabric supports

Check if you can get help with health costs on the NHS website.

If you are aged 60 and over, then you can get free prescriptions and NHS eye tests regardless of your income.

7. Travel to hospital costs

You might be able to get help with travel and unavoidable parking costs. You qualify if you have been referred to a hospital or other NHS service. This is usually for specialist treatment or tests. The refund for your travel and parking cost is paid under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

You can claim help with travel costs for a carer or escort. This is when your doctor or another health professional says that someone has to travel with you because of your medical needs.

If you would like some impartial and confidential advice you can also contact Citizens Advice Bureau North Tyneside.

Also, why not join one of our carers’ centre support groups which meet monthly where you can speak to fellow carers and find advice and emotional support. For more information visit our page on support groups.