Financial support for the working carer

There can be extra costs when working while caring for someone with cancer, such as travel to hospital, and your income may fall if you have to give up work| or reduce your hours|. However, there is help available, including benefits, tax credits and grants. This includes help to meet NHS costs, such as travel for hospital treatment, prescriptions, wigs, dental treatment, and glasses and sight tests.

Carer's Allowance Back to top

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. It’s a weekly benefit for someone caring for a person who is in receipt of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (highest or middle rate) or Attendance Allowance.

You need to be aged 16 or over and caring for someone for at least 35 hours per week to qualify for this benefit.

You don’t need to be related to, or living with the person you’re caring for. You can be working, but there is a weekly earnings limit of £100 per week after certain deductions.

Carer’s Allowance overlaps with certain other benefits and it can also affect the benefits claimed by the person you care for. It’s a good idea to speak to a benefits adviser who will be able to advise you on the best course of action for you and the person that you care for.

Visit direct.gov.uk/carers| for more information.

Carer’s Credit Back to top

Carer’s Credit can benefit carers who aren’t entitled to claim Carer’s Allowance.

Carer’s Credit is a national insurance credit for people of working age who are caring for someone for more than 20 hours per week. It’s not a cash benefit, instead it’s credit that will help carers to protect their future basic State Pension and additional State Pension. These credits will also count towards Bereavement benefits.

Financial advice Back to top

It may also help to contact an independent financial adviser (IFA) to get advice about your financial options. IFAs can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.

You can find a local IFA by referral from family or friends, looking in your phone book, or by contacting the Personal Financial Society| or the Independent Financial Advisers Promotions Ltd (IFAP)|.