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State Benefits


This page tries to give a basic understanding of what benefits are available to Carers and their dependents. It is by no means an authoritative or exhaustive list and you should always take good advice on benefits that may be available to you.

Good advice can be had by visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau or by calling the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200


Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people under 65, including children, who need help with looking after themselves, need someone with them or, have difficulties with mobility. If you are getting DLA when you reach age 65, it can continue as long as you still need the help. DLA is not affected by any savings you have. DLA is not usually affected by other money you have coming in. DLA is divided into two parts:

  • The care component has three rates
    • lower
    • middle
    • and higher
  • The mobility component has two rates
    • lower
    • and higher

    For more information : www.dwp.gov.uk


    Attendance Allowance

    Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who are ill or disabled and need help with personal care, supervision, or who need someone watching over them because of physical or mental illness or disability. You can claim Attendance Allowance if you become ill or disabled on or after your 65th birthday, or are claiming on or after your 65th birthday. AA is paid at different rates depending on whether you need care during the day, during the night, or both, and it is not affected by any savings you have.

    For more information : www.dwp.gov.uk


    Child Benefit

    Child Benefit is a benefit paid to people who are bringing up children under the age of 16. You may continue claiming Child benefit until your child is 19 if they are still in fulltime education. Child Benefit is paid for each child and is not affected by any other income or savings you may have.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk, www.inlandrevenue.org.uk


    Incapacity Benefit

    Incapacity Benefit is paid to people who have become sick or disabled and as a result are unable to work. It can be paid based on the number of National Insurance Contributions you have paid or been credited. People who have reached retirement age cannot normally get Incapcity benefit.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk, www.inlandrevenue.org.uk


    Job Grant

    Job Grant is a tax free payment payable if you are taking up full time work of at least 16 hours per week. The amount of Job Grant you will get depends on your circumstances:

    • £100 for single people and couples without children, and
    • £250 for all lone parents and couples with children
    A Job Grant may be payable if your partner is going into work of at least 24 hours per week and as a result your claim to benefit ends.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk


    Job Seekers Allowance

    Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is paid if you are capable of working, and/or you are available for work, You can claim Job Seekers allowance if you are under 65 (for men) or under 60 (for women) and Not working, or working on average less than 16 hours a week? This allowance is dealt with by Jobcentre Plus or Jobcentre. For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk

    Severe Disablement Allowance

    If you were getting Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) in April 2001 and were under 21 years of age you will normally continue to receive it. Since April 2001 it has not been possible to make a new claim for SDA as it has been discontinued and IB put in its place.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk


    Pensioners Credit

    Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week. It guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least:

    • £105.45 a week if you are single; or
    • £160.95 a week if you have a partner.

    The person who applies for Pension Credit must be at least 60; it does not matter if their partner is under 60.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk


    Disabled Persons Tax Credit

    Disabled Persons Tax Credit is for people aged 16 years or over, who have an illness or disability that puts them at a disadvantage in getting a job, and restricts them in the type of work, number of hours or amount you can earn because of illness or disability?

    This benefit is dealt with by the Inland Revenue.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk


    Back to Work Bonus scheme

    The Back to Work Bonus scheme ended on the 25th October 2004. If you are receiving Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance and have built up a bonus prior to this date this will be frozen. You may still be able to claim this bonus but you will not be able to add to it. Your bonus will be protected until 28th January 2005.

    This benefit is dealt with by Jobcentre Plus.

    For more information: www.dwp.gov.uk

    Many thanks to Virinder of the Birmingham Carers Helpline for compiling this information.

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