Being a carer can be rewarding, but it can also be difficult and expensive. Fortunately, several grants are available to carers in the UK to help ease the financial burden of their caring responsibilities.
This article looks at 21 of the best grants for carers in the UK and provides information on how to apply for them.
Read on to find out more about how you can access financial support to help with your caring duties.
Table of Contents
- What are the Best Grants For Carers in the UK?
- 1. The Carer’s Allowance
- 2. The Carer’s Credit
- 3. The Attendance Allowance
- 4. The Disability Living Allowance
- 5. The Personal Independence Payment
- 6. The Employment and Support Allowance
- 7. The Universal Credit
- 8. The Housing Benefit
- 9. The Council Tax Reduction
- 10. The Winter Fuel Allowance
- 11. The TV Licence Fee Concession
- 12. The Blue Badge Scheme
- 13. The Motability Scheme
- 14. The Access to Work Scheme
- 15. The Carer’s Assessment
- 16. The Adult Placement Scheme
- 17. National Carers Association
- 18. The Direct Payment
- 19. The Family Fund
- 20. The Carer’s Break
- 21. The Jobseeker’s Allowance
- How to Apply For Grants For Carers in the UK
- What are the Requirements for Grants for Carers in the UK?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
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What are the Best Grants For Carers in the UK?
There are many grants for carers. Some of the best include:
1. The Carer’s Allowance
The Carer’s Allowance is one of the UK’s most well-known grants for carers. It is a benefit that can provide financial assistance to those who are looking after an adult or child with a disability or illness.
The allowance provides up to £67.25 per week, which can go towards the costs of caring for someone else. To be eligible for this grant, you must provide at least 35 hours of care each week and be aged 16 or over.
In addition, you must also be earning no more than £128 per week, not including certain benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. This grant is not means-tested, so it does not matter if you have savings or investments that exceed the limit.
2. The Carer’s Credit
The Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit available to those caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week. It is available to help carers receive their State Pension when they reach retirement age.
To be eligible for the Carer’s Credit, you must be 16 years old or over and have earnings of at least £128 a week (for 2024/22).
The Carer’s Credit is designed to ensure carers do not lose financially when providing regular and substantial care. The credit can also be used to top up other benefits, such as the Carer’s Allowance, another grant for carers.
The Carer’s Credit includes National Insurance contributions, additional State Pension, and bereavement benefits. National Insurance contributions are based on earnings from employment or self-employment.
The additional State Pension provides a higher weekly income when you retire. And bereavement benefits provide a one-off payment if you die before retirement age.
It is important to remember that the Carer’s Credit does not replace the need to pay your National Insurance contributions if you are working. If you are a carer and can work, you should pay your National Insurance contributions to receive all its benefits.
3. The Attendance Allowance
The Attendance Allowance is one of the grants for carers in the UK. It is a non-means-tested allowance available to people over 65 who need help with personal care because of disability or illness.
The amount of money received varies depending on the severity of the disability or illness and can range from £59.70 to £89.15 per week.
This money can cover additional costs related to disability or illness, such as specialist equipment, transportation, or extra care and support services. To apply for this grant, you must complete an application form and provide evidence of your disability or illness.
4. The Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a grant for carers that helps with the extra costs associated with looking after someone with a disability. It is a non-means-tested benefit that provides financial assistance to carers of people with disabilities in the UK.
The allowance is awarded based on a disability that requires extra care and attention and is paid to cover the costs of any additional equipment or support needed.
The allowance can be used to cover the cost of extra help around the house, such as hiring a cleaner or gardener or purchasing specialist equipment or aids to help with everyday activities.
It can also pay for a wide range of services and items such as mobility aids, adapted vehicles, and even specialized holidays or short breaks away from home.
Carers of disabled people may also qualify for other grants for carers, such as Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance. It is important to make sure you are getting the correct benefit for your needs, so it is recommended that you contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for more information.
5. The Personal Independence Payment
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is one of the grants for carers in the UK. This grant is for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities that cause difficulty in daily activities.
It is available to those aged 16 and over and those under 16 in certain circumstances. PIP consists of a daily living component and a mobility component.
To qualify for PIP, a person must have experienced difficulties with daily activities for at least three months and expect these difficulties to last at least nine months.
To be eligible for the daily living component of PIP, applicants must show that they need help with tasks such as preparing meals, washing, bathing, dressing, communicating, and managing their money.
The mobility component is designed to help people with physical disabilities that limit their ability to walk or use other forms of transport. To qualify for this part of PIP, applicants must show that they need help getting around.
The amount of PIP received depends on the extent to which an individual’s needs are impacted by their disability or health condition. People who receive PIP may also be entitled to additional benefits, such as free travel passes and disabled facilities grants.
The amount awarded may be reviewed periodically, so it’s important to keep up to date with any changes in your circumstances.
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6. The Employment and Support Allowance
The Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a form of financial support for carers in the UK. It is designed to help carers out of work or working part-time due to disability or illness.
The benefit available can vary depending on a person’s circumstances, but generally, it provides a weekly payment of up to £115.95 for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
To qualify for an ESA grant, carers must have a qualifying disability or illness that significantly affects their workability. Carers must also meet other criteria, such as age and residency requirements. It is important to note that carers should not receive any other state benefits or work full-time to be eligible for this grant.
The ESA grants are designed to provide financial assistance and help make life easier for carers in the UK. They can help cover expenses such as housing costs, travel costs, and other essential items. These grants can make a big difference to carers who are struggling financially and provide peace of mind knowing they have some form of financial security.
7. The Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single payment that helps low-income people with living costs. It is one of the grants for carers available in the UK and can help those caring for a child or adult to meet the costs of doing so. The monthly payments pay rent, bills, and other living costs. Those eligible for Universal Credit may also access grants such as the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.
To qualify for Universal Credit, you must meet certain criteria, including being a carer for someone with a disability, having an annual income below a certain amount, and not having more than £16,000 in savings. You will also need to have been claiming benefits for six months or more to be eligible.
It’s important to note that Universal Credit can affect other benefits, so it’s important to ensure that you understand how it works before applying. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your first payment within five weeks.
8. The Housing Benefit
The Housing Benefit is a grant for carers that can help cover your rent cost if you’re on a low income. You can get up to the full amount of your rent paid each month if you’re eligible. To be eligible, you must be over 18, live in England, Scotland, or Wales, be responsible for paying rent and have a low income or savings.
You can also be eligible for the Housing Benefit if you’re a carer providing care for at least 35 hours per week. It’s important to note that the Housing Benefit won’t cover any other housing costs, such as service charges, repairs, furniture, or equipment. You will need to apply for the grant through your local council.
9. The Council Tax Reduction
The Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is one of the grants for carers in the UK. It helps carers and their families with the costs of council tax. The scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden on those caring for someone else.
The CTR is available to people on low incomes, including registered carers. It can be applied to any property within the UK which has been designated as a home. To be eligible, the carer must be living in the property, and they must be providing more than 35 hours of care per week.
The CTR is available to anyone receiving income support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment Support Allowance. It is also available to those who are not claiming benefits but still have a low income. In addition, people registered as a carer may be eligible to receive an additional 25% discount on their council tax bill.
The reduction you will receive will depend on your circumstances and your local authority. Additional discounts for those providing more than 50 hours of care per week may be offered in some areas. You should contact your local authority for more information about the Council Tax Reduction and how it could benefit you.
10. The Winter Fuel Allowance
The Winter Fuel Allowance is one of the grants for carers available in the UK. It’s a one-off payment made to help people aged over 60 to pay for their heating costs during the winter. This grant is available to people on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. The amount of money you get depends on your circumstances but could be as much as £300.
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance, you must be born before 5th April 1954 and live in the UK for at least one day a week. You will also need proof of your identity, such as a passport or driver’s license.
The application process is straightforward and can be done online or by post. Once approved, the money will be transferred to your bank account within five working days.
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11. The TV Licence Fee Concession
One of the grants for carers available in the UK is the TV Licence Fee Concession. This grant covers the cost of a full-color television license for carers who look after someone who receives either the Attendance Allowance or the Disability Living Allowance (higher rate).
Carers eligible for this concession can apply to waive the license fee, or they can be refunded if they have already paid the fee. To apply, carers must provide proof that they are registered carers and evidence that the person they are caring for receives one of the specified benefits.
12. The Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme is a UK-wide initiative that grants carers the right to park their vehicles closer to their destination in designated areas. It also provides access to pay and display parking bays without charge and access to larger disabled bays.
To be eligible for a Blue Badge, carers must receive specific benefits or care for someone with a certain disability, such as physical or mental health problems. The scheme also applies to carers of children who need extra assistance when traveling outside the home.
To apply for a Blue Badge, carers must meet the following criteria:
- Aged over 16
- Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the higher or middle rate, or the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Be certified by a doctor as having a permanent disability that affects your ability to walk
- Receive War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Be registered blind or partially sighted
- Be receiving Carer’s Allowance
- Have received the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for more than 12 months
Applying for a Blue Badge is free of charge and can be done through your local council’s website. You can also find further information about the Blue Badge Scheme and the documents required for application on the Department for Transport’s website.
The Blue Badge can greatly help carers who are on the go and often need quick access to nearby parking spots.
13. The Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme is a government-funded scheme that provides grants for carers and disabled people to lease vehicles. This scheme helps to provide improved mobility and independence, allowing disabled individuals to access more opportunities.
With the Motability Scheme, carers and disabled people can apply for a grant for leasing a car or wheelchair-adapted vehicle. The lease costs include insurance, road tax, servicing, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
The eligibility criteria for this scheme include having a Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement for at least 12 months, being aged three years or over, and being able to produce a valid driving license or proof of mobility needs.
To find out if you are eligible for the Motability Scheme and to apply for a grant, you can visit the Motability website or speak to your local authority for further information.
14. The Access to Work Scheme
The Access to Work Scheme is a great option for carers in the UK looking for grants. This scheme provides financial assistance for employment-related costs, such as specialist equipment, support worker costs, travel to and from work, and help with job interviews.
The scheme can be used by people with a disability, mental health condition, or learning difficulty, or those caring for someone with a disability or mental health condition, as long as they are employed or in an apprenticeship. It can help with costs that arise due to your disability or caring role and can be used to cover the extra costs you may incur while working.
Eligible carers can apply for a grant of up to £57,200 over three years, and the money is paid directly to the employer. To be eligible for the Access to Work Scheme, you must have been employed for at least 16 hours per week for more than six months. The scheme is open to full-time, part-time, and self-employed carers, as well as those who are taking on voluntary work.
You can find more information on the Government’s website if you are eligible for the Access to Work Scheme. There are also charities and organizations which provide advice and guidance on applying for grants for carers.
15. The Carer’s Assessment
The Carer’s Assessment is free and provided by the Government to help identify carers’ needs. It can help you understand how much support you need to continue caring and what grants for carers might be available to help.
The assessment will look at your caring role’s impact on your life and well-being so that any support you need can be provided.
The assessment will cover practical and emotional needs, physical and mental health, social activities, work and study commitments, and finances.
After completing the assessment, a carer’s support plan will be put together, outlining any additional help or resources you may require. This could include advice on accessing additional grants for carers, services, or other resources that might be available to you.
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16. The Adult Placement Scheme
The Adult Placement Scheme is designed to help carers find suitable placements for adults who need care in the home. This is an important service for carers looking after someone with a physical or learning disability, mental health problems, or an older adult.
This scheme enables carers to claim grants for carers, allowing them to access financial support for necessary costs such as travel expenses, accommodation costs, and other associated costs with caring for someone in their own home.
The scheme also provides practical support, such as information on services available to carers and advice on looking after someone. The scheme also helps to match carers with suitable people who need their help, providing the opportunity to build long-term relationships with those they are looking after. Carers can also receive training and qualifications that will allow them to expand their expertise and improve the quality of their service.
17. National Carers Association
The National Carers Association (NCA) is a charity that offers grants for carers in the UK. They offer a range of grants, including one-off financial support, hardship payments, and respite care.
They also provide guidance and advice on caring issues, helping carers access all the benefits they are entitled to. The NCA provides a range of financial grants, including:
- Short Break Grants – providing short break respite care for the carer
- Emergency Grants – offering immediate help in times of financial difficulty
- Education Grants – to help with education-related costs
- Small Equipment Grants – to help with purchasing equipment for a disabled person
- Holiday Grants – enabling a family to break away from caring responsibilities.
The NCA has an extensive network of local branches throughout the UK, providing practical and emotional support for carers. They also host regular meetings and events to raise awareness about caring and the importance of respite care.
18. The Direct Payment
Direct payment is one of the grants for Carers in the UK that provides carers with financial assistance. This scheme is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
It enables carers to receive an amount of money each month to help pay for their expenses related to caring for someone. The amount of money is determined by assessing the carer’s needs and their dependents.
To qualify for this grant, you must provide care for someone assessed by a health and social care professional as needing support from a carer. The person receiving care must be entitled to care and support from their local authority.
Direct payment is not means tested so that anyone can apply regardless of income or circumstances. You must submit an application form to your local authority and provide supporting documentation to demonstrate your eligibility. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a regular payment into your bank account.
Direct payment offers carers much-needed financial support and allows them to choose how they use the money best to meet their needs and those of their dependents. This grant can make a huge difference to the quality of life of carers and their loved ones.
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19. The Family Fund
The Family Fund is a charity that provides grants for carers with children under 18 living in the household. Grants can be used for washing machines, cookers, beds, and furniture. It also provides grants for holidays, days out, and technology such as laptops and tablets.
Applications for Family Fund grants for carers must be made online or through a paper application form and need to be supported by a professional such as a doctor, health visitor, or social worker. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must demonstrate that their financial situation means they can only afford the item(s) requested with help. Once an application has been approved, the funds will be sent directly to the carer’s bank account.
Family Fund grants are available to families on a limited income, with no upper limit on the amount of money they can receive. As well as providing grants for carers, the Family Fund offers various services, including advice on benefits and support for young people with disabilities.
20. The Carer’s Break
The Carer’s Break is a grant that helps carers in the UK take a break from their caring duties. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to help carers take time off to look after themselves, enabling them to recharge and return feeling refreshed and energized.
The Carer’s Break provides grants of up to £250 for respite breaks, such as holidays or weekends away, but it can also be used for other activities, such as spa days, gym memberships, art classes, and more. Carers must meet the eligibility criteria set by their local authority to qualify for this grant. Grants for Carers in the UK are available through various sources and can be applied online or through their local authority.
21. The Jobseeker’s Allowance
The Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a means-tested benefit available to unemployed carers looking for work and claiming a jobseeker’s allowance.
Carers in the UK are eligible to claim JSA and may be able to receive additional support, such as travel costs, depending on their circumstances. Carers can also apply for grants for carers while they are on JSA, which can help with the costs of caring.
To claim JSA, carers must meet certain criteria, including age 18 or over, not receiving any other state benefits, and having worked less than 16 hours a week in the last three months.
Also, Carers must have been actively looking for work for at least four weeks before claiming JSA. Carers may be asked to attend an interview with their local job center, where their eligibility for JSA will be assessed.
Carers on JSA can apply for grants for carers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which could provide financial support towards the costs of caring. Grants may be available for various needs, including home adaptations and respite care.
Carers must meet certain criteria to be eligible, such as having a disability or long-term health condition, providing more than 35 hours of care per week, and having a household income of less than £16,000.
The amount of JSA available to carers will depend on their circumstances, so it is important to check with your local job center to find out what support you may be entitled to.
In addition to the JSA, carers can also apply for grants for carers, which could provide valuable financial assistance in managing the costs associated with caring.
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How to Apply For Grants For Carers in the UK
Applying for grants for carers in the UK can be overwhelming, so it’s important to be prepared.
Here are some tips on how to apply for grants for carers in the UK:
1. First, you need to research what grants are available and who is eligible to receive them. You can do this by visiting the website of your local Carer’s Allowance Office or the Department of Work and Pensions. You can also find useful information online, such as a list of the best grants for carers in the UK.
2. Once you have identified potential grants for which you may be eligible, you will need to complete an application form. Ensure you read all the requirements carefully and provide all the necessary information.
3. You should also consider any supporting evidence you may need to submit along with your application, such as proof of your carer status or a written statement from a doctor.
4. After you submit your application, you will need to wait for a response. The time frame for responses varies depending on the grant, but most applications should be processed within two weeks.
5. If your application is successful, you should receive a letter informing you of the amount and duration of the grant. If your application is unsuccessful, you can ask for a review and make changes to your application if necessary.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for grants for carers in the UK. Remember to check the requirements carefully and provide all the necessary information to increase your chances of success.
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What are the Requirements for Grants for Carers in the UK?
If you are a carer in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for one of the many grants available to support you and your family. Before you can apply for any of these grants, you must meet certain requirements.
The first requirement is that you must be a carer for someone who requires substantial and ongoing help with their day-to-day living. This could include helping with shopping, managing finances, carrying out household tasks, or providing personal care such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. You will also need to prove that you have been provided regular and substantial care for at least 35 hours per week on average over the last 12 months.
In addition, you must show that you need help balancing paid employment and caring commitments. This could include reduced working hours, financial hardship, or difficulties accessing the right training and qualifications.
It would help if you also were aged 16 years or older and either a British citizen, an EU citizen, or have permission to stay in the UK permanently. Finally, you must not be in full-time education or receiving a Carer’s Allowance.
By meeting these requirements, you will be eligible to apply for one of the many grants available for carers in the UK. These grants can provide financial assistance and help with the costs associated with being a carer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Grants for carers are funds made available by the Government to help those looking after family members or friends with a disability, long-term illness, mental health problem, or addiction. These grants can be used to cover costs related to caregiving, such as respite care and equipment, as well as practical and emotional support.
Grants for carers are available through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and your local council. To apply, you will need to provide evidence of your caring responsibilities, such as a Carer’s Assessment or other documentation. You may also be asked to provide details of your income and expenses.
To be eligible for grants for carers in the UK, you must provide ongoing, regular, and substantial amounts of unpaid care for a family member or friend with a disability, long-term illness, mental health problem, or addiction. You must also meet certain residency criteria and have a reasonable income level.
Yes, in addition to grants for carers in the UK, you may be eligible for other forms of financial support. These include carer’s allowance, benefits such as tax credits and universal credit, and Carer’s Credit which helps to protect National Insurance contributions. There are also specialized funds available to provide additional support in specific circumstances.
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Conclusion
Caring for a loved one can be incredibly difficult, and those in this position often need financial assistance. Fortunately, there are a variety of grants for carers available in the UK that can help ease some of the burdens.
From Jobseeker’s Allowance to The Carer’s Break, these grants can provide carers with much-needed financial support. If you are a carer looking for ways to support your family, researching grants for carers could be an effective way to make life a little easier.
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References
- Familycarersnet.co.uk– Grants and benefits for carers and how to apply
- Carersfirst.org.uk– Grants to support you as a carer
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