I have had to give up my job to care for my mum. I am under retirement age so can’t claim my pension. Can I get any financial help?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit which you may qualify for. It is for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people. The benefit is £69.70 per week and counts as taxable income.
You can usually get Carer’s Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person and you don't earn more than £132 a week from employment or self-employment – after deductions such as income tax and National Insurance.
The person you're caring for must get a 'qualifying benefits' such as Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment.
To make a claim for Carer's Allowance you can visit GOV.UK and apply online or alternatively, download and print a Carer's Allowance claim form, fill it in and send it by post.
You can't make a claim by phone but if you need help making your claim, contact the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.