Money Matters and Benefits
The information below is intended to be a guide to benefits. Please note that Social Security rules and regulations often change. Always seek advice before you make any claim.
Carer's Allowance (CA)
CA is the main state benefit for people who spend 35 hours a week caring for a person who receives Disability Living Allowance (care component at the middle or higher rate), Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance. It is not means tested, but it is treated as taxable income. Carers can be in employment or self-employment and receive CA. However earnings may affect CA.
You can claim CA when receiving other benefits not mentioned so far, however you may not receive additional money due to the overlapping benefit rule, if so you may be entitled to Carers Premium.
If the person you’re caring for has not yet claimed Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Constant Care Allowance you should claim CA at the same time they claim. If you then reclaim within 3 months of the person you care for being awarded you should qualify for CA from the date of your initial claim.
Your CA can affect the benefits of the person you are caring for. Always seek advice before claiming.
Carer Premium
Whilst this is not a benefit in itself, it forms part of the calculations for means-tested benefits.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA is a non-means tested benefit for people with a disability under the age of 65 with mobility and/or care needs. The person you care for can receive the care component even if they live alone.
Attendance Allowance (AA)
This is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over, are disabled and need either supervision or help or encouragement with personal care. The person you care for can claim AA even if they live alone.
Income Support
A means-tested benefit to bring an individuals income up to the Governments definition for adequate standard of living.
Pension Credit
A means-tested benefit for people aged over 60 who have no income or whose income is below the set levels. For people over 65 a ‘savings’ credit will apply. It is a Government reward for those who have planned retirement by saving or paying into a pension scheme.
Incapacity benefit (ICB)
A taxable benefit for people who are unable to work due to an illness or disability and satisfy national insurance contribution conditions or become incapable of work in youth.
Council Tax benefit
Help with Council Tax for people with a low income. If you receive Carers Allowance you may be able to get extra help with your council tax through Carer Premium. To claim contact your local council.
Council Tax Reduction
A reduction to Council Tax is available for disabled people when the property they reside in has been altered. The facility must be either essential or be of major importance to the disabled person. For more details contact your local council tax department.
Housing Benefit
This benefit helps people who are on a low-income pay their rent or lodging costs (not a mortgage). If you receive Carers Allowance you may be able to get extra help with your rent through the Carer Premium. To claim contact the housing benefit department in your local council.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
A benefit paid to people who have become disabled due to an accident or disease caused by employment.
Tax Credits (TC)
The Inland Revenue administers TC, the allocated amount varies dependent on income and circumstances. There are two main elements one for families with at least one child and one for working adults. To claim tax credits contact the Inland Revenue.
Blue Badge Scheme (formerly Orange Badge Scheme)
This operates Nationwide, giving parking concessions to someone who has severe mobility problems or is registered blind. To find out more or apply contact the Social Services Department or your Social Worker.
Job Seekers Allowance
Benefit for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week and are looking for full-time work. Contact the Job Centre for more information.
Health Benefits
Help with health costs (including prescriptions, dentists, eye tests, cost of fares to visit hospital) can be provided for people on certain benefits and in certain situations. To claim contact your Social Security office.
Family Fund
The Trust aims to ease the stress on families who are caring for a severely disabled child aged under 16. Provide information and grants for holidays and equipment. Contact 01904 550005 for more information.
Social Fund
The Fund provides grants and loans to people in need in certain circumstances. Including community care grants, budgeting and crises loans, help with maternity expenses, funeral costs, cold weather and winter fuel payments. Contact the Social Security office for more details.
Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)
IMPORTANT SDA was abolished in April 2001 so no new claims can be made. Existing claimants of SDA will keep their weekly benefit as long as they continue to meet the qualifying conditions.
Reduced Earnings Allowance/Retirement Allowance
IMPORTANT this allowance was abolished in October 1990 however you can still claim if you had an industrial accident or disease before this date.
Getting benefits for the person you care for
To find out about these benefits obtain the leaflet SD4 “Caring for Someone”. If the person you care for cannot deal with benefits themselves because of mental or physical disability obtain the leaflet GL21 “A Helping Hand for Benefits”. Both leaflets can be obtained from your local Social Security Office.
Wrexham County Borough Council’s own Welfare Rights Unit provides a comprehensive income maximisation service for Carers and the people they care for. For advice, advocacy or representation you can contact the Welfare Rights Unit on 01978 298254.
For independent advice on benefits and money matters contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Direct Payments
A Direct Payment is given to you by Social Services to buy the services and support you are assessed as needing for some or all of your needs. People then often employ their own personal assistants so that they can receive help when they want it and from those who they want to work with. The people who are eligible to receive Direct Payments broadly include anyone with a disability, of all ages.
Carers can also join the scheme to receive Direct Payments for the person they care for. Everyone who has a Community Care assessment should be offered
Direct Payments. Assistance with recruitment and the administration of the Direct Payment is available if required, you can be involved as much as you like. If you require any further information please contact the Direct Payments Team.
Benefits – Money MattersPage - 1 of 4