What Benefits Can You Claim If You Are a Carer?
Explore Carer's Allowance, Carer's Credit, Attendance Allowance and more in this article about UK government benefits for carers.
Universal Credit offers a provision called the 'Carers Element' for individuals who are responsible for caring for someone with substantial care needs. This additional benefit is designed to offer financial support to carers, acknowledging the vital role they play and compensating them for their time. If you're a carer wondering how to apply for this benefit, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps.
As of the financial year 2023-2024, the Carers Element of Universal Credit is £168.81 per month. This amount is added to your standard Universal Credit payment every month, providing additional support to reflect your responsibilities. It’s important to stay updated through gov.uk, as these rates are subject to annual reviews and adjustments based on various economic factors.
The Carers Element is available to you if you meet the following criteria:
If you do meet these criteria, you may also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, which you can read more about here.
You can apply for the Carers Element within Universal Credit at the same time you make your overall Universal Credit claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
By following these steps, you can ensure that your role as a carer is acknowledged and supported financially through the Universal Credit system. This support not only recognizes the crucial work carers do but also helps maintain their financial stability. If you’re claiming the carer’s element of Universal Credit, you are eligible to apply for the National Carers Card, a secure carers ID that allows you to prove your carer status, get help and understanding from others, and show you are eligible for carer discounts at venues’ discretion. Read more about the National Carers Card and apply here.
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Secure, easy to carry visual ID, designed exclusively by and for carers.