What benefits are available?

The welfare benefits system is complex and many people do not know what to claim. Benefit payments change periodically, so take advice or you may lose out.

Invalid Care Allowance

If you are a carer, you may be able to get Invalid Care Allowance (ICA). This is the main state benefit for carers so it’s important to find out if you can receive it. It is currently worth £42.45 a week. From April 2003 ICA will be renamed the Carer’s Allowance.

To get ICA you must:

• care for at least 35 hours a week
• the person you look after must receive Attendance Allowance or the middle or higher rate of the care component of the Disability Living Allowance
• earn less than £75 a week after specific expenses
• study for less than 21 hours a week if you are a student
• satisfy UK residence and immigration conditions
• not receive any of the following benefits at a higher rate: Retirement Pension, Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Bereavement Benefits.

The Carer Premium

You may also be able to get the Carer Premium. This is an extra amount of money paid as part of Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You need to apply for Invalid Care Allowance to receive the Carer Premium (up to £24.80 a week).

Incapacity Benefit

This benefit is for people who are unable to work due to illness or incapacity and have paid enough national insurance contributions.

Disability Living Allowance

This is a tax free benefit for people with an illness or disability. If you are under the age of 65 you can claim DLA for either help with your personal care or mobility or both. This allowance is not affected by any savings that you have.

Attendance Allowance

 If you are over the age of 65 you can claim Attendance Allowance instead.

Click here for contact numbers where you can get help and advice on financial and legal issues.