What benefits are carers entitled to?
Carer's Allowance
You might be entitled to benefits if you’re helping to look after someone with arthritis. Carer’s Allowance is available to people aged 16 or over who look after someone for more than 35 hours a week. You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
For each week you get Carer’s Allowance, you’ll automatically get National Insurance credits.
You may also be able to apply for:
- support from your local council
- a Council Tax reduction
- Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work
- Pension Credit if you’re over working age
- grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training.
If you live in Scotland, you need to apply for Carer Support Payment instead of Carer’s Allowance.
For more information and to find out if you're eligible, visit the government’s web pages about Carer’s Allowance. The consumers’ group and charity Which? has some good advice and support for carers – Being a carer – and the NHS also has some information about benefits for carers.
Other financial support
The person you know who has arthritis might be entitled to various state benefits to help cover the cost of living with arthritis.
We have information about the main benefits people with arthritis can claim. You and the person you want to help could have a look at the information on these pages about potential financial support and benefits available.
The Disability Service Centre can offer advice or information about some benefits.
The Benefit Enquiry Line provides advice and information for people about some benefits in Northern Ireland.
If you have any questions or concerns about what benefits you, or someone you know with arthritis, might be entitled to, you could contact Citizens Advice. This is a network of charities that can offer people advice on a wide range of issues, including benefits.
Financial support for people with arthritis
If a musculoskeletal condition like arthritis is making it difficult for a person to do everyday tasks such as getting about or caring for themselves, and this leads to extra living expenses, they may be entitled to financial support. If a person is struggling to work because they have arthritis, they may be able to claim government benefits.
Key financial information
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Financial support for carers - Carers Trust
Financial support you could be entitled to if you care for someone whether you are working or pension age.
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What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is available if a person needs help with personal care or supervision to keep them safe.
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you are looking after a child with a health condition or disability who is under 16, they may be entitled to a benefit called Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
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Who can claim Personal Independent Payment (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payment will help cover costs for someone over 16 and under pension age if they have a long-term illness, health condition or disability.