Attendance Allowance:

This is a non-means tested, tax free state benefit and can be claimed by over 65s who have needed care for more than six months, regardless of whether or not they are in a care home.

Attendance Allowance is available at two rates: a lower rate, for those who need help during the day or the night and a higher rate, for those needing care during both the day and night.

The Care Collection can assist you to apply for Attendance Allowance – this will be discussed with you at your care assessment. Alternatively, you can apply by completing the online form at www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance or by obtaining a form from a larger Post Office, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age Concern Shop, or the Benefits Agency themselves.

Personal Independence Payment:

Those under 65 may be entitled to claim a Personal Independence Payment to help pay for care support costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability. You can claim for PIP or Attendance Allowance, but not both. You can apply for PIP by calling the Department of Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222.

Carer’s Allowance:

Carer’s Allowance is the main welfare benefit to help carers. Carer’s Allowance is worth £67.25 per week (for April 2020-21) and is usually paid every four weeks.

You may be eligible if you:

• care for someone who receives the higher-rate or middle-rate care component of Disability Living Allowance, either rate of Personal Independence Payment daily living component, or any rate of Attendance Allowance
• spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person
• do not earn more than £128 a week (after deductions)
• are not in full-time education

To claim Carer’s Allowance you should call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 or visit www.gov.uk/carers-allowance to download a claim form or claim online.

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a free package of care for people who have significant ongoing healthcare needs. It is arranged and funded by the NHS and you can receive it in any setting outside hospital, including in your own home.

To get NHS Continuing Healthcare you must (i) be assessed as having a “primary health need” and have a complex medical condition and substantial ongoing care needs and (ii) and having taken account of all your needs, it can be said that the main aspects or majority part of the care you need is focused on addressing and / or preventing health needs.

If you’re found to be eligible the CCG will discuss with you what care you need and you have the right to ask for a Personal Health Budget which gives you more choice over the services and care you receive and the provider you wish to use.

If you think you might be eligible, please speak to your GP or social worker who can make a referral to the relevant CCG. You can also approach your local CCG direct.

Unlike NHS Continuing Healthcare, Local Authority funding is means tested and how much you pay towards your home care depends on a number of factors, including your income and savings. Your local authority will only help pay for your care needs if you are deemed to have insufficient assets to meet these care costs yourself.

A ‘financial assessment’ is used to gauge this which looks at both your capital (property, savings, investments) as well as your income (usually pensions and benefits). If your capital is above £23,250 (figure correct as at November 2022), you will be deemed a self-funder and have to pay the full cost of your care. Please note, if you are cared for at home, your house is not included in the financial assessment.

To get a care needs assessment contact social services at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. You can call them or do it online using this tool www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services.