The main benefit, available specifically to informal carers, is a carer’s allowance (CA) (formerly called invalid carer’s allowance). This is a taxable benefit and therefore included with other earned or savings income when working out taxable income after deducting personal allowances.
If you claim CA, your other benefits may increase or decrease and certain benefits for the person you look after may sometimes reduce.
In addition you must spend at least 35 hours a week caring but this need not be every day. The person you care for could be a relative, friend or neighbour.
The rules for claiming CA are quite complicated and we would recommend that further advice is obtained.
There is a lot more information on Directgov.
You can also contact the CA Unit on: 01253 856 123 . People with speech or hearing problems should dial: 01772 899 489. Or write to them at:
CA Unit
Palatine House
Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 1NS
Email: cau.Customer-Service@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
A confidential telephone service is available for people with disabilities, their representatives and their carers. Ring the Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL) on: 0800 88 22 00. People with speech or hearing problems using a textphone can dial: 0800 24 33 55.
