Benefits and financial support for carers

You may have given up work to be an unpaid carer or reduced your hours and be worried about money.

You may be entitled to:

• carer’s allowance   
• carer’s Tax credit  
• grants and discounts, including energy saving grants 
• a discount on your council tax  
• some minor adaptations and equipment to help you or the person you care for, which may be supplied free of charge depending on eligibility.
• a carer’s personal budget, which isn’t means tested even if you’re in receipt of carers allowance.  You’ll need a carers assessment 
• free cinema tickets with a CEA card, when you accompany a disabled cinema guest 

Financial assistance and debt advice

If you need financial assistance or debt advice, there are a number of organisations that can help you.

• The government money advice service offers impartial and confidential advice over the phone or online 
• Citizens Advice Leicestershire offer free, impartial and confidential advice
• Turn2us helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services 
• The Severn Trent Trust Fund provides grants to individuals and families in Leicestershire who need support with their water charges and other essential household costs
• If you’re a member of a Union, you can get help with sorting out your finances and advise on benefits. You may be able to get a grant to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break
• The Royal British Legion offer financial support, if you’re the dependent or unpaid carer of someone who served in the UK’s armed forces
• Our Warm Homes service provides free, independent advice to help you reduce your energy bills

Further reading