Caring for a friend or family member is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles.

Whether you’re looking after an elderly parent, a child with special needs, or a friend with a chronic illness, being a carer requires time, energy, and emotional investment.

Some people have been carers for years, while for others, it is a situation that they find themselves in suddenly.The good news is there is support out there and in this blog I will be providing an overview of the benefits available.

I’m Bernadette and I have joined North Tyneside Carers’ Centre as a Benefits and Financial Wellbeing Advisor. My role is to help carers feel less stressed about their current financial situation and provide specialist benefits advice, support with grants, and reduce fuel poverty.

The first thing to highlight is if you are over 18 and you care for someone, you can request a Carer’s Assessment. This will look at things that might make your life easier. For example, having help with housework, someone helping you so you can take a break, or even training on how to lift things properly so you don’t injure yourself. It can also provide help for what benefits you may be eligible for.

It’s free and it just might alleviate some of the pressures you face. Find out more on the Carers’ Centre website or from North Tyneside Council.

Below is a helpful guide to the main benefits available to carers. For more information go to our website,

Carer’s Allowance

The Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment for people who care for someone with a disability or illness for at least 35 hours a week.

You may be eligible if you are aged 16 or over, not in full-time education, not earning more than £151 per week after deductions and if you care for someone who receives certain benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Attendance Allowance.The weekly payment is currently £81.90 and you do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

Universal Credit

This helps with living costs and is paid monthly.

If you claim Universal Credit and you care for someone for more than 35 hours per week, you might also be eligible for the carer element of Universal Credit. This is an additional amount that’s paid on top of your Universal Credit payment.

However, if you’re applying for Universal Credit, and you receive Carer’s Allowance, your Carer’s Allowance will count as part of your income. As Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit, this means you will get less of it if you receive Carer’s Allowance.

Carer’s Credit

Carer’s Credit is not a payment, but instead helps to fill the gaps in your National Insurance record if you have to take time away from work. For example, if you are unable to contribute National Insurance payments because you are not working, Carer’s Credit protects your future state pension.

To claim this you must be over 16 and under state pension age and looking after one or more people for at least 20 hours a week. The person you are looking after must receive certain benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Attendance Allowance.

In addition, the person you are caring for could be eligible for the benefits below.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs for people with a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.

You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

Finding more support

If you are in need of any advice, please do get in touch. Also, why not join one of our support groups which meet monthly where you can speak to fellow carers and find advice and emotional support. The key thing is to remember you are not alone.

If you would like to become more informed about the local health and social care services you and your family use, feel free to join our session, “Getting Support In North Tyneside” on Tuesday 17th September, 1.00pm to 3.00pm, the White Swan Centre, Killingworth, where we will look at the key support services for carers and people with support needs in North Tyneside and nationally.