Carers Allowance

Some carers are entitled to a Carers' Allowance and could also be entitled other benefits from the government.

Carers' Allowance is the main benefit for carers. From April 2021 the weekly rate is £67.60. To get Carer’s Allowance you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.
• You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.
• You are aged 16 or over.
• You are not in full-time education.
• You earn £100 a week or less (after deductions).
• You satisfy UK presence and residence conditions.

Carers' Allowance is not means-tested – in other words not based on your income or savings, but earnings may affect your entitlement. It is not based on your National Insurance record.

Carers' Allowance is taxable but, because it is a low amount, on its own it is below the threshold for paying tax. You will only have to pay tax if you have other sources of taxable income such as an occupational pension or earnings. (Source Carers UK)

Torfaen’s Benefits Advice Service helps service users, their families and their carers to claim their full entitlement to benefits, thus maximising their weekly income.

The benefits adviser will visit you at home or at the location of your choice and will undertake a comprehensive and confidential assessment of your benefit entitlement.

The advisor will help you to fill out any application forms and will follow up to make sure that you are receiving the correct benefits and the right amount.

The Benefits Advice Service will also support service users to challenge decisions which are believed to be incorrect through the review and appeal stages.

For more information, contact Customer Care on 01495 762200.