Taking on the needs of a loved one can be life changing – and expensive – but there is support available
WORDS: GEMMA WILCOCK. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *RESEARCH BY CARERS UK. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
No one can be fully prepared for becoming a carer. It often happens suddenly – whether a cancer diagnosis, dementia or a disability, it can be incredibly hard as you deal with the emotions involved with looking after someone you love.
This is an issue that affects one in five of us,* with the demands of round-the-clock care often leaving carers unable to work themselves. ‘If you’re looking after someone who needs lots of support, whether that’s personal care, food or cleaning their house, that’s going to impact your ability to stay in work, which comes with massive implications for your personal finances,’ says Christine Casely from charity Carers UK.
The cost-of-living crisis is adding even more pressure. One in six carers is in debt, according to research by the charity, and are being forced to cut back on food and heating. ‘If you’ve got someone who needs their body temperature regulated, it’s not an option to turn the heating off,’ says Christine. ‘Often, we see these costs coming out of the carer’s pocket. When incomes are limited, that is really difficult.’
Find out what help you’re entitled to…
What can help
If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to the following…
✣ CARER’S ALLOWANCE This is for people who care for someone for more than 35 hours a week. ‘Currently sitting at £69.70 per week, this is set to rise this month to £76.75,’ explains Louise Yasities, elderly care expert at TakingCare Personal Alarms.
Not everyone can claim Carer’s Allowance. You must earn £132 or less a week after tax, and cannot be in full-time education. Bear in mind that it is taxable and can affect other benefits. Unfortunately, Carer’s Allowance is not included in the list of qualifying benefits for the cost-of-living payment of £900, due to be paid in spring.
✣ CARER PREMIUM This is for people who are entitled to Carer’s Allowance and claim other means-tested benefits. Carer Premium (called a Carer Addition for people of state pension age) is worth £38.85 a week. If you receive Universal Credit, Carer Element is worth £168.81 a month.
✣ CARER’S CREDIT If you are unable to work, you could be left with gaps in your National Insurance contributions, which may affect your state pension. Carer’s Credit can help. ‘It’s a National Insurance credit that helps bridge some of the gaps in a carer’s National In
